Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Thursday, 21 October 2021 | 1530-1630 hrsDEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity refers to differences in racial and ethnic groups, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and academic/professional backgrounds. People with various perspectives, backgrounds (degrees and social experience), religious beliefs, political beliefs, sexual orientations, heritage, and life experiences. Distinguishing the presence of different perspectives in a group is what diversity is all about. While equity is the act of treating everyone fairly and providing equal access to opportunities for all members of a group. Inclusion also entails feeling welcomed, valued, and heard. Diversity alone is not enough because a sense of belonging (inclusion) and a sense of fairness (equity) are critical.
It is recognized that DEI activities are of immense value to the geospatial industry. Several initiatives to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are being supported enthusiastically by the WGIC and its members, including their participation in current and future WGIC activities, committees, and programs. WGIC intends to engage with various stakeholders to create awareness through roundtables, panels and workshops. This panel discussion at the Geospatial World Forum 2021 is one such initiative aimed at raising DEI awareness in the geospatial community.
This initiative will assist in understanding the significance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with an emphasis on the benefits of diversity, the biases that impede inclusion, and the action items to become more inclusive.