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ILO GBDN News

ILO Global Business and Disability Network
 
January 2025
 
 
Annual report 2024
 
We thank you for your support to the ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) through the past year and are happy to share below highlights of our work in 2024.
 
“Putting the I in ESG” – disability-inclusive sustainability session by ILO at Zero Project Conference, 5 March
 
This forum will delve into how companies, investors and rating providers can effectively put the “I” - that stands for Inclusion - in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and other sustainability frameworks.
An animated image of several people with disabilities.
 
Disability Inclusion @ Work 2024
 
Deloitte Global’s Disability Inclusion @ Work 2024: A Global Outlook report provides insights into the workplace experiences of 10,000 respondents with disabilities, chronic health conditions or who are neurodivergent across workplaces in 20 countries.
A person wearing a blue long sleeve shirt typing on a laptop with a virtual notebook above the keyboard.
 
Internal Inclusive panel for evaluating the new AXA Talent Acquisition platform
 
In 2024, as part of AXA’s efforts to assure that its internal tools and apps are accessible, the company considered digital accessibility a strong factor during the technical evaluation and the user acceptance testing of its new global Talent Acquisition platform that is soon set to launch.
Four people standing smiling, one person with a guide dog.
 
Shaping an Accessible Workplace: Reflections on IDPD 2024
 
On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, Capgemini proudly reaffirms its commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for all employees, particularly colleagues with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. 
 
Preparing for the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
 
Microsoft is excited to announce the release of a new public resource designed to help organizations learn more about how the company is committed to meeting the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requirements and information on in scope products and services. The EAA is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at improving accessibility for people with disabilities across the European Union. By preparing for the EAA, organizations can not only ensure compliance but also enhance their services for people with disabilities, ultimately creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all.
Several people posing for a photo making a butterfly shape with their hands.
 
Zain Group’s ‘The Masters’: A Game-Changer for Disability Representation
 
Zain Group, in partnership with PurpleSpace, launched 'The Masters,' the region's first corporate Employee Resource Group (ERG) for people with disabilities, which brings together 30 individuals from across Zain’s operations to focus on four key areas: co-creating Zain’s Disability Inclusion strategy, embedding accessibility into products and services, amplifying voice and visibility, and building leadership skills through the 'Learn and Lead' program.
A person smiling with short brown hair wearing a yellow vest and a white shirt. They are putting a piece of paper into a suitcase.
 
Disability Smart Awards 2025 open for nominations
 
Business Disability Forum (BDF) has opened nominations for its 11th Disability Smart Awards 2025. The Disability Smart Awards showcase the work of organisations that are improving the life experiences of employees and consumers with disabilities, by removing barriers to inclusion. It is free to enter and open to UK and global organisations of any size and in any sector.
Three images from the launch of the Iraqi National Business and Disability Network. The left image is of several people smiling, the middle image is of people sitting around a table, and the image on the right is of two people on stage presenting.
 
Launch of the Iraqi National Network for Employers Interested in Empowering and Employing Persons with Disabilities
 
On December 7, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in Iraq’s journey toward an inclusive labour market. The Iraqi Federation of Industries (IFI), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and with the support of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), launched the Iraqi National Network for Employers Interested in Empowering and Employing Persons with Disabilities.
Animated persons with disabilities walking and playing on grass with a tree in the background.
 
Inter-American Development Bank “Seeds to Inclusion What We Know and Don’t Know about Disability Policy”
 
Approximately one in seven people in Latin America and the Caribbean lives with a disability. However, barriers and needs are often overlooked, and policies aimed at fostering inclusion remain understudied. This report examines the effectiveness of disability inclusion policies in the areas of education, health, labour markets, and social protection.
 
Building an Accessible and Inclusive Hiring Process From the Start
 
Ensuring accessibility at every stage of the hiring process is an essential part of disability inclusion. From applications to interviews to onboarding, accessibility helps foster a diverse, productive, and welcoming work environment. The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) provides tools and resources to help build inclusive hiring practices and create accessible workplaces from the start.
 
E-learning courses
 
• ILO Infostory "The Win-Win of Disability Inclusion"
Explore this InfoStory to find out why employing people with disabilities makes good business sense for private companies, and how you can help promote inclusion.
 
• Disability in the Workplace: A Global Perspective
In this interactive course, employers, experts and persons with disabilities share their experiences to enable you to plan, implement and audit your disability inclusion strategy.