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.

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.

Programme structure

Session 1: Kick-off

3 September, 09:15-11:15 CET

Session 2: Defining Priorities and Engaging Stakeholders

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

Session 3: Setting Targets and Metrics

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

Session 4: Resistance and Internal Buy-in

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

Session 5: Communication and Reporting

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

Session 6: Action Plan Presentations and Closing

3 December, 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, Iceland, 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 Process

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

As we want to ensure a high-quality learning experience for all participating companies, programme spots are limited. We therefore review all applications carefully to ensure the programme is a good fit for each participant, which means that submitting an application does not guarantee participation.

Companies are welcome to enrol up to two participants.

All applicants will receive a response following the application deadline. Application deadline is on Friday, May 22.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I commit to?

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.

Who can join?

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

What is the fee for joining the programme?

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

How many company representatives can join the programme?

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

Where is the programme held?

The programme will be held online.

When are the sessions held?

What language will be used?

Live sessions and materials will be in English.

Non-Discrimination and Equality Programme

Applications are open!