Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Prompted by the 2020 global reckoning on institutional and systemic racism, the Secretary-General launched a campaign of dialogue and action against racism and established the Task Force on Addressing Racism and Promoting Dignity for All in the United Nations. This was based on the recognition that the UN system is not immune to racism and racial discrimination and that racism, exclusion and marginalization affect workforce morale, undermine commitment, hamper the delivery of mandates, and go against human decency.

To support this endeavour, HLCM agreed to take a common approach in addressing racism and racial discrimination in the United Nations system, using the Secretary General’s Strategic Action Plan as a baseline for coordination and collaboration among the organizations.

The Committee formalized a timebound multidisciplinary Group of Focal Points on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consisting of Diversity Experts (Regular Session, 6 April 2022, , London) to enable a system-wide, coordinated approach, based on shared values and principles, to achieve the desired rigorous, longterm, cultural transformation.

The Group, led by the HR Network and chaired by UNICEF, UPU and the UN Secretariat, was tasked to deliver a:

• DEI Glossary;
• DEI Principles; and
• DEI Best Practices to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Work is currently ongoing. A final version of the Glossary, as well as a first draft of the Principles and Vision on DEI and of the Good Practices collection – for initial feedback – will be presented to HLCM at its 45th session in April 2023.