Diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) are important in an organization. People come from different backgrounds, ages, interests, as well as their respective stakeholders. Therefore, it is important for companies to practice DEI and have diverse representation so that they can make decisions and create innovations that are more relevant to consumers.

Head of Communication and Chair of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Board Unilever Kristy Nelwan said that inclusion, equality and diversity are important sustainability issues because if all marginalized communities are empowered, everyone will benefit.

“There are so many opportunities out there that can be opened only if we as an organization, as a company, practice and understand the principles of inclusion, equality and diversity. A data says that gender-diverse teams make better business decisions by up to 87%*,” Kristy said in the discussion session The Role of PR and Global Sustainability at the World Public Relations Forum 2024 in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Kristy added that the job of PR is to communicate the importance of these subjects in an impactful way. According to her, the most important thing for communication practitioners is to learn how to communicate important but difficult subjects such as DEI and Sustainability in an interesting way. 

“There is always room to learn more about DEI and sustainability issues. This can be done by observing whether there are gaps? If so, what steps can be taken to bridge the gap?” Kristy explains.

“We need to include more people, to understand and take action on this subject. Not just among us in this room, but we need to speak louder to a wider audience and recruit more people to drive progress,” Kristy said.

In pushing the agenda of inclusion, equality and diversity, Unilever Indonesia focuses on three pillars, namely Gender Justice: providing equal opportunities, fair treatment, and support that suits the unique needs of each woman; Justice for Persons with Disabilities: creating a disability-friendly society and opening fair opportunities to prove their abilities without hesitation, and Elimination of Discrimination and Stigma: respecting human rights and providing fair opportunities for everyone by fighting various forms of discrimination and stigma.

In the same session, Global Alliance Director Irene Lungu Chipili revealed that it is not easy for a publicist or PR to communicate about sustainability. Therefore, public relations has a very important role so that the subject of sustainability can be conveyed more widely.

“Communicating the sustainability agenda is a major challenge today. How can we convey this message to the public and be accepted,” said Irene.

Head of Communications at the Insurance Supervisory Company in Kenya Noella Mutanda emphasized that a publicist or PR is the conscience of the organization whose job is to build trust.

“Building trust is important, because that is what will take you further. Remember, this is a long-term thing, so for you to sustain it, you have to build trust,” Noella said.