Executive Dialogue: Implementing LGBTI inclusion in Asia

“The rapid economic development that Viet Nam has experienced in recent years must be matched by greater equality and protection for marginalized groups. Policies and practice of inclusion and non-discrimination in the work place send a strong signal around the world that Business supports equality,” said Louise Chamberlain, UNDP Country Director in Viet Nam, in her opening speech.

Eighty-seven percent of Fortune 500 companies now have non-discrimination policies based on sexual orientation. Though companies in Asia may lag behind their western counterparts, many are making important steps in the right direction.

Among the many challenges forward-thinking corporate chiefs and executives face to create inclusive workplaces for their diverse sets of employees, implementation is perhaps the most difficult. In this roundtable, corporate leaders shared case studies, insights and analysis about how to create a culture of inclusion and diversity across the business.

Participants identified key priority areas for action, advocacy and collaboration for the private sector and government to strengthen LGBTI inclusion in Viet Nam.

They suggested to work with the Trade Unions and to recognize the ‘champion’ businesses in this area. All startups need to integrate LGBTI inclusion in early stage of their development.

The dialogue is part of a series of two intimate and informal roundtable discussions to be held in January 2017 in Viet Nam and the Philippines. This discussion will shape the direction of the conversation at The Economist’s Pride and Prejudice forum, which will be held in New York, London and Hong Kong in March 2017./.