The organisers of the inaugural International Diversity Conference (IDC), which takes place 22nd March 2016 at the Villa Marina, are hoping that the event will lead to the Isle of Man becoming a globally-recognised diversity champion.

Delegates from the public, private and third sectors on the Isle of Man are invited to come together to attend the conference, which will feature a programme of highly distinguished and influential keynote speakers. The event will provide an unparalleled opportunity for people from a wide spectrum of professional and personal backgrounds to discuss, share and develop perspectives on diversity.

The IDC was created by Jean-Paul Nguegang MBA, MSc, MCMI, founder of the Isle of Man-based Global Community and Sport Foundation. Jean-Paul, set up the charity to educate, promote and raise awareness of ethnic, religious and cultural diversity; good citizenship; disability and social inclusion.

“The Isle of Man is now an international business centre with a global customer base”, says Jean-Paul. “Every organisation should reflect and cater for the diversity within its client base. There is ample, research-based evidence that embedding a culture of inclusiveness results in a more dynamic, efficient and competitive business. And, of course, practicing and promoting fairness and equality is the prerogative of any progressive, ethically aware organisation”.

Elaine Codona, a Director of HR organisation Global People Solutions – one of the conference’s affiliates – believes that the Isle of Man is currently at a significant juncture in terms of how it is perceived by its national and international neighbours. “In the UK, the Equality Act came into force in 2010; in the Isle of Man, the equivalent Bill is still due to go through the Legislative Council.

“Now is the time to demonstrate that we have the capacity to be proactive – not simply to ‘toe the line’ with regard to best practice and policy but to fully engage with and embrace diversity. As a small community, we have the ability to implement good business models as an example for others to follow”.

Jean-Paul continued, “No business should miss out on the opportunities afforded by this event. Every participant will receive a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certificate, which is an incentive at a personal level, but the benefits to every delegate - and therefore their colleagues, clients and organisation as a whole - are rich and wide-ranging.

“You will have the chance to gain new skills and insights, increase your professional network and develop your career but most importantly, to become an ambassador for positive change. We are confident that every delegate will return to their workplace with the inspiration and resolve to help create and foster a truly diverse and inclusive environment”.

To book your place please visit the website www.idc.co.im and go to the registrations page http://idc.co.im/registration.php or email info@idc.co.im. 

If you are a charitable organisation or in full time education and would like to attend the conference please email info@idc.co.im to request your special discount.

Photo- Jean-Paul Nguegang.