Opening of Session

Audio Languages: English, French, Spanish, Original

Daily Press Briefing by the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General and the Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly.

Audio Languages: English, Original

One of the most effective way businesses can improve their disability inclusion practices is by partnering with other companies and non-business entities. At the same time, the ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) itself collaborates with relevant initiatives toto promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the world of work.

Audio Languages: English

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most controversial technology topics today. While it has tremendous potential in improving work productivity and individual quality of life, there are also concerns of its unintended consequences such as built-in AI bias against diversity. Session speakers will discuss the latest AI trends, its usefulness and how to address the challenges regarding bias, especially on people with disabilities in the world of work.

Audio Languages: English

Aligned with the Ten Principles of the ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) Charter and the universal principles that shape the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the ILO GBDN Self-Assessment Tool was launched in November 2022. It allows businesses in any country to set priorities for action as they set out to deliver the best practices that benefits both companies and persons with disabilities.

Audio Languages: English

Daily Press Briefing by the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General and the Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly.

Audio Languages: English, Original

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provide more than two thirds of jobs worldwide and account for the majority of new employment. SMEs have great potential to promote the employment of persons with disabilities. This session will discuss the barriers SMEs may face when it comes to employing persons with disabilities, and how they can be supported to be more disability-inclusive.

Audio Languages: English

While effective recruitment of persons with disabilities remains a challenge, it is crucial to also address career progression of employees with disabilities. This session will discuss how companies can support employees with disabilities grow professionally and progress in their careers. Speakers will share various programmes and initiatives that aim to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to help persons with disabilities progress and grow in the workplace.

Audio Languages: English

The conference opening will see welcoming remarks by the ILO and Atos, the current ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) Chair. Further, new members, including multinational enterprises and National Business and Disability Networks, that have joined the ILO Global Network since its last year's annual conference will be officially welcomed.

Audio Languages: English

All people have several facets of their identities that intersect, and all of them affect a person's life and work experiences – negatively or positively. This session aims to highlight the need for and importance of taking into account people with disabilities' intersecting identities at the workplace to unleash their full professional potential.

Audio Languages: English