Speaking at the NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (20 March 2024), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined the importance of raising awareness on diversity and inclusion. The Staff Group NATO Elevate Diversity and the U.S Mission to NATO co-hosted the event.
The Secretary General kicked off the inaugural event by underlining that the only way to ensure NATO has the best people is through being an inclusive, accessible and diverse organisation. The Assistant Secretary General for Executive Management Carlo Borghini highlighted that Allies adopted a new NATO diversity, inclusion and accessibility action plan earlier this year.
The event included a panel discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion, with guest speakers, Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, U.S Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security and Stephanie A. La Rue, Chief Advisor on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Chief (DEIA) of the Office for the U.S Director of National Intelligence.
NATO Elevate Diversity is a Staff Resource Group (SRG) that was created to foster diversity and inclusion at NATO by supporting the recruitment, retention and professional growth of racially diverse talents that represents the diversity of allied nations.
ELEVATE's mission is to foster a climate of inclusion and mutual understanding, and to create a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to the organisation.
The main objectives of ELEVATE Diversity are to:
- Support and deliver initiatives contributing to the representation and progression of people of colour within NATO;
- Raise awareness of and celebrate different cultures, backgrounds, and heritages;
- Provide advice on NATO policies, practices, and culture for a more inclusive work environment for people of colour;
- Curate forums that allow employees to learn and discuss cultural, social, and career related topics through the unique lens of employees of colour.
