Multicultural Bankers Belgium celebrates International Day Against Racism and Discrimination

Stay up to date with the latest measures from the financial sector

18 March 2024 - 4 min Reading time

Multicultural Bankers Belgium is a network powered by Febelfin to make bankers of all origins more visible, more connected, and to promote multicultural inclusion in finance.

The network invites you to an event in the light of the International Day Against Racism and Discrimination, taking place on the 21st  of March at The Merode.

 

Wat can you expect from the event?

 

Speed Dating with Senior Leaders

Engage in meaningful conversations with seven senior leaders from the finance industry, Cédric Lebegge, Benoit van Den Hove, Fatou-Bané Dioukhane, Katrien Beukelaars, Vanessa Feneasu, Lara Gaspar and Fatima Wahni. This unique speed dating session provides a platform for open dialogue, networking, and gaining insights into the financial sector’s role as a partner in creating inclusive careers for students and professionals starting off in the industry.

 

Panel Discussion - Commitment to tackling Racial/Ethnic Discrimination

Join a thought-provoking panel discussion in which representatives from various financial institutions in Belgium, including Isabel Carrion, Eddy Mutombo, Audrey Campbell, Ann Bouchet, Katrien Dewijngaert and Anne France Simon, share their perspectives on racial and ethnic discrimination. The discussion will be moderated by Manu Wachter. Discover their envisioned commitments and strategies to address these challenges and foster an inclusive and equitable workplace.

 

Signing of the Multicultural Bankers Belgium Pledge

Witness a pivotal moment as industry leaders come together to sign the Multicultural Bankers Belgium Pledge, affirming their commitment to combatting discrimination and promoting racial and ethnic diversity within the financial sector. BNP Paribas Fortis, ING, Belfius, Euroclear and Microstart among others will sign the Pledge during the evening. Some examples of the commitments in the pledge are:

 
  • Appoint an Executive Sponsor for ethnic and cultural inclusion 
  • On board level, enforce a policy of zero tolerance for harassment and bullying
  • Explore the possibility of collecting data on ethnicity/multiculturality and track progress regarding recruitment and promotion
  • Support the progression of employees of different origins/ethnicities into senior roles , in the financial sector and therefore,  implement action plans to progressively reduce imbalances, focusing on the executive level and middle management pipeline
  • Communicate internally on the potential risks of discrimination, including discrimination linked to origin or ethnicity, and take appropriate measures to prevent all forms of discrimination.
 

Networking and Drinks

Conclude the evening with an informal networking session accompanied by refreshments. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, further discuss the day's insights, and build valuable professional relationships.

 

Timings

 
  • Date: 21st March 2024
  • Time:
    • Opening and Speed Dating: 17:00 – 18:45
    • Iftar: 18:58*
    • Panel Discussion: 19:00 – 20:00
    • Signing of the Pledge: 20:00 – 20:30
    • Networking and Drinks: 20:30 – 22:00
  • Location: The Merode, Poelaertplein 6, 1000 Brussels

*Through the practice of fasting from dawn until sunset, Ramadan encourages us to reflect upon ourselves and practise patience, self-discipline and solidarity. This month also promotes strengthening the bond with other human beings and the community. Ramadan is an opportunity for inclusion and could be a part of creating a supportive workplace culture.

 

We look forward to your presence at this important event, as we collectively strive for a more inclusive and diverse future within the financial sector. For practical reasons, we kindly ask you to confirm your presence in advance by sending a mail to claire.godding@febelfin.be.

If you would like to interview the driving forces behind the pledge and this event, please contact Claire Godding (claire.godding@febelfin.be) (Febelfin, Wo.Men in Finance), Mathy Muteba (mathy.muteba@womeninfinance.be) (Wo.Men in Finance), or Jason-Louise Graham (jason-louise.graham@ing.com) (ING).

More info can be found on our website Febelfin | Multicultural Bankers.