INTERNATIONAL ONLINE CONFERENCE:
HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
International online conference on “human rights in the work environment” (“human rights in business
id=”T8″>”)The General Secretariats of International Economic Relations & Extroversion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Transparency and Human Rights of the Ministry of Justice and Family Policy and Gender Equality of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
The Conference, held under the aiga of the Greek Presidency of the Council of Europe, aims to open the public debate on human rights in the working environment, with a special emphasis on the LGBTI+ community, as well as to highlight the role of the business in changing social perceptions and behaviors. The Prosperity Through Diversity subtitle highlights the importance of diversity in a country’s well-being, including businesses and workers.
The conference will take place online (Live Streaming) on Thursday 25 June 2020 and h 12:00 (11:00 CET). It was originally to take place in Thessaloniki as part of the celebrations of Thessaloniki EuroPride 2020, but due to social distancing measures it was decided to hold it online.
The Greek government, assuming the presidency of the Council of Europe, has prioritized the protection of life, public health and human rights. The participation of the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the central presentations of the conference marks the fact that human rights are at the top of the agenda of the Greek government.
The opening greetings will also include:
- Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway
- Michele Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission for the Promotion of the European Way of Life
- Robert Oliphant, Deputy Secretary of State of Canada
- Dunja Mijatović, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe
Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for European affairs, will open the conference and welcome the speakers as chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
In the first discussion panel, entitled “Public Administration: Building Diversity Societies without exclusions”participates:
- Alexis Patelis, Chief Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister
- Robert Oliphant, Deputy Secretary of State of Canada
- Janina Hasenson, Deputy Director and Legal Advisor in the Human Rights Sector of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland
- Ioannis N. Dimitrakopoulos, Scientific Advisor of the European Organization for Fundamental Rights
- Irena Moozova, Director of Equality and European Citizenship of the European Commission
- Rolf Wenzel, Governor of the Development Bank of the Council of Europe
The panel is moderated by journalist Xenia Kounalaki from KATHIMERINI.
The panel will discuss the ways in which governments can protect the human rights of the LGBTI+ community from rights violations, exclusions and abuse of power, putting in place prevention and compliance policies. In addition, the rapporteurs will present best practices and successful models from around the world, aiming for stronger cooperation between states and international organizations.
In the second discussion panel, titled “Work Environment: Corporate Social Responsibility and Opportunities to Promote Diversity and Human Rights”, participate:
- Peggy Antonakou, South-Eastern European Director General, GOOGLE
- Haris Broumidis, President and CEO, VODAFONE
- Theodosis Michalopoulos, CEO of Greece, Cyprus & Malta, MICROSOFT
- Nieves Delgado, Vice President Sales & LGBTI+ support sponsor for Spain, Portugal, Greece & Israel, IBM
- Vasilios E. Psaltis, CEO, ALPHA BANK
- Irini Nikolopoulou, Managing Director & Vice-Chairman, WUNDERMAN THOMPSON
The panel is moderated by Paul Tugwell, journalist, Bloomberg News.
The panel will highlight Corporate Social Responsibility strategies, sustainable plans and programs to integrate the human rights of the LGBTI+ community. A dynamic and catalytic call to action will emerge with the aim of eliminating discrimination in the workplace and creating a positive working environment for all. The panel will exchange ideas and best practices from around the world with an emphasis on Greek experience and reality, with the ultimate goal of prosperity through diversity.
In the third discussion panel entitled “Society: Ensuring a safe and activated civil society for the promotion and protection of human rights” participates:
- Markus J. Beyrer, General Manager, Business Europe
- Kristine Garina, President, European Pride Organizers Association
- Evangelos Chouliaras, Communications Representative, Thessaloniki Pride
- Lars Henriksen, President, Copenhagen Pride
- Salah Husseini, Deputy Director, Business for Social Responsibility
- Fabrice Houdart, CEO for International Equality Initiatives, Out Leadership
- Andreas Pottakis, Ombudsman
The panel is coordinated by Dimitris Theodoropoulos, Strategy and Culture Advisor of the Onassis Foundation.
The panel will highlight ways to more effectively exercise the institutional role of civil society in promoting positive policies for effective participation in the decision-making centers of the LGBTI+ community. The speakers, from the respective field of specialization of each one, will submit specific proposals to strengthen the agenda of equal rights.
The conclusions of the conference will be incorporated in their positions by:
- Grigoris Dimitriadis, Secretary General of Extroversion and President of Enterprise Greece, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Panos Alexandris, Secretary General of Transparency and Human Rights, Ministry of Justice
- Maria Syregela, Secretary General of Family Policy and Gender Equality, Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
After the end of the conference, the goal is to set up an international working group which will propose a road map for subsequent actions.
The link to attend the international online conference on “Human Rights in Business” is https://humanrightsinbusiness.gr/
id=”t3″>enterprise greece.
For more information contact Ms. Ria Psouchla, id=”T4″>COMMUNICATION, Tel. 210 7249000, 6936 750 457, id=”T9″>: id=”T14″>.gr
This text has been translated automatically from the original Greek. In case of any discrepancy or inaccuracy, the original Greek text prevails. The translation is provided for information purposes only.