Diversity and inclusion across cultures webinar: Brazil, Japan, South Africa and the US

In the current climate, ensuring sensitivity, appropriateness and inclusivity is more important than ever. Brands are more and more at risk of being called out and criticised for posting problematic content, delivering the wrong messages, or even making empty claims.

When evolving at an international level, there are risks associated with pushing the D&I agenda without thinking of local cultural sensitivities.

So what does diversity and inclusion look like across different nations and cultures? What are the priorities, sensitive areas, and can a global framework meet all local requirements?

Our panel of experts from Brazil, Japan, South Africa and the US answered some of those questions and provided insights into the diversity and inclusion landscape in their markets.

With thanks to our great panel of experts:

• Kohtaro Kosugiyama, Head of SDGs at The Adecco Group Japan
• Pepper Miller, President, The Hunter-Miller Group
• Seth Naicker, Managing Director, indiAfrique training & development
• Ana Julieta Teodoro Cleaver, Public Policy and Management Officer at the Brazilian Ministry of Economy

I think of Diversity as a variety of people. Inclusion is about the I for the Invitation: to be invited into the room, to have a seat at the table and to have your voice heard.

– Pepper Miller

In Japan, it’s not a question of whether diversity is here or not, the question should be if diversity has been acknowledged, embraced or not in the community. But the Japanese public isn’t asking the question yet .

– Kohtaro Kosugiyama

A more diverse context catches nuances and complexities that are not perceived in a more homogenous setting. The lack of diversity is an open avenue for harassment and master suppression techniques, affecting the mental health of non-hegemonic collaborators. Diversity contributes to finding better solutions with more innovation, creativity, and team engagement.

– Ana Julieta Teodoro Cleaver

Diversity might be about the number game, but what’s the use if you are just balancing the number game, calling people diversity or equity candidates, yet they don’t feel the belonging of inclusion and equitable human engagement and dignity.

– Seth Naicker

Watch the key highlights