The feature below appeared in the Irish News on Tuesday 23rd September, written by Christine White, Director of Diversity Mark.
In times of change, our greatest strength lies in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Far from being a trend, EDI is what builds trust, unlocks innovation, and ensures every voice matters.
2025 may well be remembered as the year corporate EDI strategies faced their toughest test yet. Their purpose, value, and impact have come under intense scrutiny, challenged by narratives that dismiss EDI as a passing trend; something to be picked up and just as easily set aside.
Back in March, I wrote in this column about shifting priorities and pressures that first began in the United States and trickled through the business landscape. More than anything, this pushback, shortsighted that it was, has served to separate those light-touch EDI commitments from those with truly robust strategies woven into the DNA of their organisations. Those that put their people first, above all else, and certainly before political agendas.
It was heartening to see the results of the Institute of Directors poll back in April, which found 71% of UK business leaders surveyed have no intention to scale down EDI practices, despite the US political climate. This will of course vary for those organisations with a presence in the States, but it nevertheless hints at the resilience of those firms willing to commit fully to EDI in a way that is authentic, rather than performative. Gone are the days when tick-box exercises and virtue signalling would pass without criticism.
How, then, can organisations navigate a dynamic EDI landscape, where criticism is never far around the corner? How do we engage the ‘reluctant middle’ and bring everyone along on their own EDI journey as we make steady progress towards a more inclusive future?
At the Diversity Mark Summit next month, we’ll be putting a sharp focus on real-world examples to demonstrate the positive impact that EDI can have on business locally. A transformative one-day event, this year’s Summit welcomes Justice Minister Naomi Long, who will address the 300-strong audience and contribute to discussions around the collective efforts to help advance inclusion and equity across organisations and wider communities.
Also among the speaker line-up is a keynote from Richard Mihalic, Senior Manager Inclusive Diversity at Allstate, while on-the-day panel discussions and keynotes will be buffered by a series of ‘In My Shoes’ sessions to put the audience in the speaker’s shoes, uncovering the emotions and struggles behind assumptions and labels.
The Titanic Belfast will play host to 2025’s Diversity Mark Summit on Wednesday, 8th October. Last remaining tickets are available on the Diversity Mark website. Come along and see how you and your organisation can help drive value and inclusion in an ever-changing landscape.
You can access the Summit agenda HERE and the last remaining tickets are available HERE (invoice and card payment options available).
