Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have a clear basis in human rights. This is reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as in the International Labor Organisation (ILO) standards. The PRI’s 2020 report, Why and how investors should act on human rights, clarifies how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights set expectations for investors to act on human rights, including those related to DEI.

What is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

The PRI supports investors to integrate DEI into investment and ownership decisions as investors have an interest in the overall DEI performance within an economy. A just, equitable and fair society where everyone can participate and reach their full potential is the social capital that societies, companies and investors rely on to prosper.

The terms diversity, equity and inclusion are often used interchangeably. It’s important to note that each term has a unique and significant meaning.

Diversity - Diversity can be defined as the presence of difference within a given context, such as an organisation.

Inclusion - Inclusion can be described as the actions taken to understand, embrace and leverage the unique strengths and facets of identity for all individuals so that they feel welcomed, valued and supported.

Equity - Equity means people have fair access, opportunity, resources and power to thrive. The goal is to move beyond historical and systemic barriers to achieve greater fairness of treatment and outcomes.

Resources

Case studies

Venture Capital_Case_studies_Westly

The Westly Group: Helping to build diverse teams for the future

2022-04-13T06:00:00+01:00

The Westly Group highlights how its diversity work across deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management and internal hiring is starting to deliver notable results.

Venture Capital_Case_studies_Glasswing

Glasswing Ventures: Driving DEI adoption in venture capital

2022-04-13T06:00:00+01:00

Glasswing Ventures highlights its approach to engaging in and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion activities within its firm and portfolio companies.