Diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are essential tenets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of global objectives designed to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. These concepts are not only integral to specific SDGs but also permeate the entire framework, emphasizing the need for equitable and inclusive approaches in all aspects of development.

SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) are directly connected to the principles of diversity and inclusion. SDG 10 aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. This involves taking measures to ensure the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. It calls for the elimination of discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, providing equal opportunities and reducing disparities, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.

SDG 5 focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. This goal underscores the need for ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere, and it involves various targets including the elimination of violence, ensuring women's full participation in leadership and decision-making, and guaranteeing equal rights to economic resources. By promoting gender equality, SDG 5 directly contributes to the broader objective of creating inclusive societies.

Furthermore, diversity and inclusion are crucial in achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This involves addressing disparities in access to education and ensuring that vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations, receive equal opportunities for education. Inclusive education is a foundation for building more inclusive societies, as it prepares all individuals to participate fully in their communities and economies.

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) also embodies the values of diversity and inclusion. It promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This includes advocating for equal pay for work of equal value, promoting safe and inclusive working environments, and reducing the gender pay gap. By ensuring that all individuals have access to decent work opportunities and are treated fairly in the workplace, SDG 8 plays a pivotal role in advancing inclusive economic growth.

The pursuit of diversity and inclusion is indispensable for realizing the vision of the SDGs. These principles are not confined to specific goals but are woven throughout the entire framework, reflecting the understanding that a fair, sustainable, and prosperous world can only be achieved when all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from development. The SDGs recognize that addressing inequalities, empowering marginalized groups, and ensuring inclusive participation are essential for sustainable development, and they call on all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals, to work towards these objectives.

The largest US cancer health disparity exists in prostate cancer, with Black men having more than a two-fold increased risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to all other races. Studies on biology and access to healthcare similarly highlight the need for increased representation of men from underserved racial groups, particularly Black men, in translational and clinical research to fully comprehend and appreciate the tumour heterogeneity.
An Article on the vulnerability of Indigenous populations to pandemics, in the context of SDGs 3 and 10, focusing specifically on the clinical characteristics and outcomes following COVID-19 in Indigenous Brazilian individuals.
A cohort study in Queensland, Australia, in the context of SDG 3 and 10, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate mental health and wellbeing services that meet the needs of Indigenous communities.
UN World Health Day 2022 logo

Our planet, our health

Are we able to reimagine a world where clean air, water and food are available to all?

Where economies are focused on health and well-being?

Where cities are liveable and people have control over their health and the health of the planet?

Although older people have been recognised as a vulnerable group in humanitarian crises, they have not traditionally been considered a priority for humanitarian assistance.

Healthcare Strategies and Planning for Social Inclusion and Development Volume 2: Social, Economic, and Health Disparities of Rural Women, 2022, Pages 1-42

This chapter advances the UN SDG Goal 3: Good Health, Goal 5: Gender Equity, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by highlighting social determinants like gender inequality, starvation, nonavailability of basic nutrients, etc. are described in detail, on the basis of social exclusion, disparity, aging issues, domestic violence, and health problem like obstetric and reproduction.
This chapters advances goals 5, 8, and 9 by covering the largely unpaid workload of women, especially rural women, which increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This Viewpoint supports SDGs 3 and 16 by highlighting how mass incarceration contributes to structural racism and discussing how this exacerbates health inequalities. The authors focus on the COVID-19 pandemic as an example.
Although changes in socio-cultural positions appear to take place shortly after arrival, there is a growing concern on socio-cultural differences in receiving societies and it is widely recognized that socio-cultural positions are important for further participation and well-being, few scholars examined socio-cultural positions among recently arrived refugees in Europe. At the same time, not much is known about how these positions relate to pre-migration, migration and post-migration characteristics, while these could be key indicators of early acculturation.
For International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2022, Márcia Balisciano, Global Head of Corporate Responsibility at RELX speaks to Jean Chawapiwa and Sara Bodison about the importance of developing diverse supply chains.

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