By Lamé Verre Co-Founder & Chair Advisory Board Lean In Network | Equity & Sustainability - ESG Foundation

No Backing Down – If DEI must DIE, then we must DIY

Editor — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In recent months, a troubling pattern has emerged; some of the world’s top organisations are quietly rolling back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs. What was once a corporate priority is now being questioned, criticised, and, in some cases, completely abandoned.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion sentiment has shifted, primarily fuelled by political backlash, misinformation, and a resurgence of outdated meritocracy arguments. But if history has taught us anything, it is that progress is never linear, and when faced with resistance, we must push forward, not retreat.

The erosion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts raises a fundamental question: Do people honestly believe that diverse hires are not highly qualified? Or does one group lose by improving equity practices? Or is having inclusive workplaces bad for anyone?

The narrative that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lowers standards, discriminate against the majority, and make workplaces less masculine is misleading and deeply harmful. The premise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has never been about hiring unqualified individuals to fill quotas; instead, it has been about removing systemic barriers that have historically sidelined underrepresented talent.

About the author

Lamé Verre is the Director of Net Zero of Crown Estate, driving the decarbonisation agenda across the enterprise portfolio and contributing to the UK Net Zero and Energy Security. Additionally, she is on the board of trustees of Green Alliance, an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious environmental leadership, and a board member of Equitable Origin, a US non-profile protecting Indigenous rights in Latin America. She was also recently on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council—The Future of the Energy Transition.

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World Population: Milestones, Insights, and the DEI Perspective

Editor — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Key Insights on the Global Population

Youthful Populations: With 40% of the population under 25, there’s immense potential for innovation and economic growth. Young people bring fresh perspectives and energy, driving technological advancements, arts, and social change.
Workforce of the Future: With 40% currently in the workforce, reskilling and upskilling opportunities abound to develop critical skills required for the future of work, which is being fuelled by – i) technological change, ii) the green transition, iii) demographic shifts, iv) geoeconomic fragmentation, and v) global economic uncertainties.
Aging Societies: Nearly 20% of the global population is over 55. This highlights the need for robust healthcare systems, social support structures, and policies accommodating an ageing workforce. The increasing number of older adults also presents opportunities for industries focused on healthcare, leisure, and senior services.
Regional Variations: Population growth rates and age distributions vary widely by region. Developing regions often have younger populations, while developed areas face ageing demographics. These variations impact local policies and global strategies, necessitating tailored economic development, education, and healthcare approaches.

Understanding these dynamics helps craft policies for education, healthcare, and economic development, ensuring a prosperous future for all.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Implications

Diverse Perspectives: A diverse population means a richer tapestry of perspectives, experiences, and ideas. Embracing this diversity can drive creativity and innovation in all sectors of society. Organisations and communities that value diverse viewpoints can create more inclusive and dynamic environments.
Equitable Opportunities Addressing the varied needs of different age groups and regions is essential for creating equitable opportunities. Ensuring fair access to education, employment, and healthcare can help bridge gaps and promote social mobility. Equity in resource distribution and opportunities is vital for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Inclusive Policies Crafting inclusive policies that consider demographic variations can build resilient and cohesive societies. Policies should aim to include marginalised groups, support vulnerable populations, and promote social integration. By considering the diverse needs of the population, policymakers can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

With diverse age groups and growing populations across various regions, the future is filled with opportunities and challenges. Understanding these trends is crucial for sustainable development and global cooperation.

We must adopt a holistic and inclusive approach as we navigate the complexities of a growing and changing global population. Understanding demographic trends and their implications helps craft policies promoting sustainability, equity, and inclusiveness. We can build a world that grows and thrives together by focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Originally written and published on Lean In Network | Equity & Sustainability LinkedIn Page in 2024

The post World Population: Milestones, Insights, and the DEI Perspective first appeared on ESG Foundation.

The post World Population: Milestones, Insights, and the DEI Perspective appeared first on ESG Foundation.

Amplifying the ‘S’ in ESG: Why Social Must Lead ESG’s Revival

Editor — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Current ESG Backlash: A Symptom of Neglected Social Issues

Much of the current backlash stems from a perceived disconnect between ESG’s lofty ideals and the lived realities of everyday people. Critics argue that ESG prioritises abstract environmental targets over tangible social issues like job security, affordable housing, and access to healthcare.

This perception creates fertile ground for populist rhetoric that paints ESG as an elite agenda out of touch with ordinary citizens’ concerns. Furthermore, the focus on quantifiable metrics, often skewed towards environmental impacts, has overshadowed social performance’s more nuanced and qualitative aspects.

This has led to a situation where companies can boast impressive carbon reduction figures while neglecting systemic issues like workplace discrimination or supply chain exploitation.

Amplifying the “S”: A Path to Rebuilding Trust and Resilience

To counter the current headwinds and restore faith in ESG, we need to shift the focus towards a more robust and integrated approach to social performance. This means:

Prioritizing Stakeholder Engagement: Move beyond shareholder value to genuinely engage with all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and local communities. Understand their concerns and incorporate their perspectives into decision-making.
Addressing Social Inequality: Tackle systemic issues like income inequality, racial injustice, and gender disparity. This requires going beyond surface-level initiatives and implementing concrete policies that promote equity and inclusion.
Investing in Human Capital: Recognize that employees are a company’s most valuable asset. Invest in their well-being, provide fair wages and benefits, and create a safe and supportive work environment.
Building Strong Community Relationships: Support local communities through philanthropic initiatives, partnerships, and responsible sourcing practices. Foster trust and build long-term relationships that benefit the company and the community.
Measuring Social Impact Meaningfully: Develop robust and transparent metrics that capture the true impact of social initiatives. Go beyond simple output measures and focus on outcomes that demonstrate tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Transparency and Accountability: Publicly disclose social performance data and be accountable for progress. Embrace transparency as a tool for building trust and demonstrating commitment.

The “S” as a Strategic Imperative

Amplifying the “S” is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. Companies that prioritise social performance are better positioned to:

Attract and retain talent: Employees increasingly want to work for companies that align with their values.
Enhance brand reputation: Consumers are more likely to support brands that are committed to social responsibility.
Mitigate risks: Addressing social issues proactively can help prevent costly reputational damage and legal liabilities.
Build resilience: Strong relationships with stakeholders can help companies navigate challenging times and adapt to changing social and economic conditions.
Drive innovation: Diverse and inclusive workplaces are more likely to generate creative ideas and solutions.

What does good look like?

Some examples of companies that are amplifying the ‘S’ in ESG through their social impact initiatives:

Cisco Systems Inc.: Cisco has significantly contributed to community programs, amounting to $477 million. The company focuses on bridging the digital divide by providing technology and resources to underserved communities.
NPower: This nonprofit organisation is focused on advancing equity in the tech industry. They emphasise the importance of social impact through their mission to bridge the digital divide and provide tech training to underserved communities
White & Case LLP: This international law firm has joined forces with Refinitiv and other industry partners to emphasise the importance of social criteria within ESG investing. They have published a white paper to debunk myths and provide practical actions to strengthen social metrics in investment management
Refinitiv: Leveraging social indicators from over ten thousand companies globally, Refinitiv examines industry approaches to identify thematic indicators that capture social impact. Their work highlights the significance of social themes such as inclusion, labour standards, and human capita
Tata Power: TP Renewable Microgrid, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power, uses a shared value-creation approach for community engagement. This creates an ecosystem enabling local communities to use microgrids’ benefits for overall socio-economic development, amplifying India’s efforts to provide reliable and clean power to rural communities currently dependent on fossil-based power.
Iberdrola: Iberdrola’s Convive programme20 has three main action areas: 1) contributing to socio-economic development; 2) protecting and enhancing biodiversity; and 3) improving the impact of renewables and the social acceptance of the energy transition through third-party partnerships
Adidas: Adidas’s corporate responsibility structure is built on three pillars: community involvement, employee engagement, and corporate giving. The company supports various social initiatives, including promoting physical activity and education in underserved communities.
Equitable Origin: This non-profit is Bridging the Digital Divide by expanding Amazon Connectivity through Partnership with the Internet Society Foundation and TechSoup.
Mission 300: Mission 300 aims to bring electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030 through African leadership, increased funding, and accelerated partnerships to close the energy access gap and help African communities build better lives. The ambitious initiative will combine increased infrastructure investments with comprehensive policy reforms across the entire electricity supply chain

These companies demonstrate how integrating social sustainability into their core strategies can positively impact society while enhancing business operations.

Moving Forward: A Call for Action

In the face of the current backlash and rollback of ESG ambitions, amplifying the ‘S’ in ESG offers a pathway for companies to demonstrate their commitment to social sustainability. Embracing the ‘S’ in ESG advances sustainability agendas and contributes to society’s well-being and the business’s sustainability.

By adopting a strategic approach, engaging with stakeholders, measuring impact, and integrating social initiatives into their business strategy, companies can navigate the challenges and create lasting positive change. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and embrace a more holistic and human-centred approach to ESG.

The current backlash against ESG presents a critical opportunity to redefine its purpose and strengthen its impact. By amplifying the “S,” we can create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Let us demonstrate that responsible business is not just about environmental targets or financial returns but about creating a world where everyone can thrive with dignity and respect.

About the author

The post Amplifying the ‘S’ in ESG: Why Social Must Lead ESG’s Revival first appeared on ESG Foundation.

The post Amplifying the ‘S’ in ESG: Why Social Must Lead ESG’s Revival appeared first on ESG Foundation.