Global dynamics have altered the traditional patterns of inequality and discrimination. At the same time valuing diversity at the workplace can be a key to business success. Many businesses around the world face these new challenges but often lack awareness of practical tools and emerging practices: This automatically translates into missed opportunities, reduced enterprise performance and higher business risk.

A joint effort of the UN Global Compact Office and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the 2006 Policy Dialogue on Combating Discrimination and Promoting Equality at the Workplace brought together representatives of business, labour, governments, and NGOs to discuss concrete and practical solutions. Participants included business executives from leading multinationals, public actors (such as Ken Livingstone) and others who have been innovators in their area of work and can present replicable models to combat discrimination, promote equality and value diversity.

The Policy Dialogue took place in London on 6-7 October, 2006. Speakers and panellists presented step-by-step solutions that can be implemented across all areas of workplace relations, such as recruitment, promotion, retention, remuneration, work-life reconciliation measures, performance assessment, etc. Participants received practical advice, exchanged experience with companies, and built a network of contacts for future support.

This web-site makes available to the large public some of the information gathered during the event.