Non-Discrimination & Equality Programme

Helping companies lead on equity and inclusion.

A joint initiative by UN Global Compact in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

Application

The application period closed on 22 May 2026.

If you would like to know more about the programme, please contact Kirti Lickett, Programme Manager on Social Responsibility and Human Rights at UNGC Sweden.

Non-Discrimination & Equality Programme

The programme on non-discrimination and equality is an online programme designed to support businesses in advancing equality and inclusion across their operations.

If your company is ready to take meaningful steps to identify, assess, and address discrimination-related risks, this programme will guide you through the process with practical tools, expert insights and peer exchange.

Through six expert-led sessions, peer learning opportunities, and individual work, you will gain a solid understanding of how to assess impact, prioritize action, and embed non-discrimination across the workplace, supply chains, and communities. 

The programme will be held online in English.

Info session

Watch our online info session to learn more about the programme content, structure and application process. An opportunity to get all your remaining questions answered and find out if the programme is the right opportunity for your company.

What’s the benefit?

When attending the programme you will:

  • Define your key priorities and learn how to assess and strengthen your non-discrimination efforts, with practical tools and guidance to evaluate current performance.
  • Demonstrate commitment and action to your employees, investors and other key stakeholders, while strengthening your ability to attract and retain top talent.
  • Build internal support, navigate resistance and drive commitment to non-discrimination throughout your organisation.
  • Learn how to communicate your efforts and demonstrate commitment to employees, investors and other key stakeholders, while strengthening your ability to attract and retain top talent.
  • Leave the programme with a concrete action plan and clear next steps for advancing your company’s work on non-discrimination and equality, drawing on insights and experiences shared by a network of peers and experts.

Hear from previous participants

”I really liked the assessment, combined with great presentations that were real eye-openers. We are different companies, but we can still learn a lot from each other and inspire each other.”

Ann-Charlotte Syrén
AB Volvo
Sweden
Alumni from 2025

 

 

“I connected with some really great people. We come from so many different companies and industries, so new perspectives were born.”

Daria Graul-Sagdahl
Finago
Finland
Alumni from 2025

Programme Structure

  • Kick-off

    Thursday, September 03
    09:15-11:15 CET

  • Defining Priorities and Engaging Stakeholders

    Tuesday, September 15
    09:15-11:15 AM CET

  • Setting Targets and Metrics

    Wednesday, October 7
    09:15-11:15 AM CET

  • Resistance and Internal Buy-in

    Thursday, October 22
    09:15-11:15 AM CET

  • Communication and Reporting

    Wednesday, November 11
    09:15-11:15 AM CET

  • Action Plan Presentations and Closing

    Thursday, December 03
    09:00-12:00 AM CET

Who is it for?

The Non-Discrimination and Equality Programme is designed for company representatives working with social sustainability, human rights, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), human resources or other similar areas. Alumni of the Target Gender Equality Accelerator are also welcome to apply.

This programme is free of charge and open exclusively to participants of the UN Global Compact networks in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands. Each company can join the programme with two participants.

Why now?

While freedom from discrimination is a fundamental human right, fostering an inclusive and equitable workforce also drives business success. Anti-discrimination initiatives foster positive workplace culture, boost creativity and innovation, support talent attraction and retention, increase employee engagement, and enhance reputation.

With growing pushback against non-discrimination globally, it is now more important than ever for companies to understand how inclusive strategies help mitigate discrimination-related risks and deliver value for business and society. Nordic companies, with strong welfare systems and high equality rankings, are well positioned to lead by example in advancing human rights, equity, and inclusion throughout their operations and value chains.

Application

The programme is open and free of charge to UN Global Compact participants in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

We encourage you to apply and look forward to reviewing your application. Please be aware that places are limited and each application is carefully considered. Companies are welcome to enrol up to two participants. Submission does not guarantee participation. 

 

The application period is now closed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Running from September to December 2026, the Non-discrimination and Equality Programme consists of five expert-led sessions with peer learning opportunities.

    Each session lasts approximately two hours, and participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants will also complete a non-discrimination and equality assessment through a digital tool and develop a concrete action plan. In total, the programme requires around 30 hours, including live sessions, individual work, and peer learning activities. 

  • The programme will be held online on these dates:

    Session #1: Kickoff | Thu, 3 September | 09:15-11:15 AM CET

    Session #2: Defining Priorities and Engaging Stakeholders | Tue, 15 September | 09:15-11:15 AM CET

    Session #3: Setting Targets and Metrics | Wed, 7 October | 09:15-11:15 AM CET

    Session #4: Resistance & Internal Buy-In | Thu, 22 October | 09:15-11:15 AM CET

    Session #5: Communication & Reporting | Wed, 11 November | 09:15-11:15 AM CET

    Session #6: Action Plan Presentations & Closing | Thu, 3 December | 09:00 – 12:00 AM CET

  • The Non-discrimination and Equality Programme is open exclusively to participants of the UN Global Compact networks in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. 

    The programme is designed for company representatives working with social sustainability, human rights, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), human resources or other related areas. Alumni of the Target Gender Equality Accelerator are also welcome to apply.

    Each company may enrol up to two participants to attend the programme.

  • Participation is free of charge for companies participating in the UN Global Compact networks in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

  • Live sessions and materials will be in English.

Still have unanswered questions?

Please reach out to Kirti Lickett, Programme Manager on Social Responsibility and Human Rights at UNGC Sweden.