Global DEI Benchmarks Awards for Inclusive Companies
On 25 Feb 2025, Annual Global DEI Benchmarks Awards were held at Marriott Karachi by HR Metrics. Mr. Akif Saeed Chairman Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan and Dr. Ishrat Hussain, former Governor State Bank of Pakistan were Guests of Honor. Program included 250 attendees from 50 inclusive companies representing 15 industries Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB) are the standards for organizations around the world. The GDEIB helps organizations determine strategy and measure progress in managing diversity and fostering inclusion. Global DEI Benchmarks Standards help creating more equitable and better functioning of organizations, confronting racism, sexism, and all forms of oppression, cultivate trust, acceptance, physical and psychological safety, lead inclusively, respond with agility, and thrive though disruption, promote wellness and self-care as ingredients for lasting change and contribute to creating a sustainable world.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman SECP said that Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion is not just a matter of corporate responsibility but a vital business imperative. DEI is a cornerstone of innovation, engagement and long term business success. Sustainability requires more equitable access to resources to marginalized segments of society by advancing their inclusion in mainstream economy and integrating diversity with sustainability goals. SECP is actively working on enhancing women representation at corporate boards, reducing gender pay gap, generating evidence based data through “ESG Sustain Portal” for gender inclusive reforms. He also highlighted Prime Minister Program on gender diversity.
Dr. Ishrat Husain reffered to his research on Pakistan, India and Bangladesh and said that DEI is not a fad or fashion. Bangladesh focused on education of girls and women empowerment, hence enhanced its income per capita. By reaffirming dedication to the DEI, business leaders can demonstrate clear signal to employees, customers and stakeholders that equity and inclusion are non negotiable values.
Zahid Mubarik CEO HR Metrics said that Pakistan industry has witnessed 15% growth in the companies using global DEI standards during year 2024. CEO’s must move beyond performative gestures and embrace authentic, actionable strategies to embed DI into organizations’ DNA. This requires transparent communication about the DEI business impact on the stakeholders. A distinguied panel comprising of Musharaf Hai, former CEO Unilever and L’Oreal, Zaffar A. Khan former CEO Engro Corporation, Jehan Ara CEO Katalyst Lab, Moneeza Butt Parter KPMG Pakistan and Maleeha Bangash CEO BAJO Digital Ventures emphasized the value of integrated e-portal for high potential women database management for placement in leadership roles. They also discussed the vision for setting up “Women’s Institute of Leadership” in Pakistan to develop sustainable talent pipeline of capable women. Sharleen Ansari moderated the discussion.
Jazz was declared as “Most Inclusive Company of the Year’. Other two companies in top 3 ranking were Engro Fertilizers Limited (Runner up) and METRO Pakistan (Pvt) Limited. Top 10 inclusive companies were HBL, Engro Polymer and Chemicals Limited, Mobilink Bank, Faysal Bank Limited, The Aga Khan University, HBL Microfinance Bank, Nestlé Pakistan Limited, Top 20 inclusive companies are National Bank of Pakistan, Abacus, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan, Pakistan Tobacco Company, Soneri Bank Limited, AGP Limited, BAT – GBS Pakistan, TPL Corp Limited, Engro Vopak Terminal Limited, Martin Dow Group
Overall companies winning awards in different categories were Jubilee Life Insurance, K-Electric, Engro Energy Limited, Yunus Textile Mills Limited, Bayer, Novo Nordisk Pakistan (Pvt) Limited, foodpanda Pakistan (Delivery Hero), Jaffer Brothers (Pvt) Limited, Jaffer Business Systems Pvt Ltd, HRSG, HABIBMETRO Bank, Fatima Group, Mari Petroleum, Allied Bank Limited, Mashreq, Telenor Pakistan, JS Bank, Liberty Mills Limited, Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company (Private) Limited, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Pakistan State Oil, DVAGO Pharmacy & Wellness Experts, Millennium Education Group, Descon Engineering Limited, Kay and Emms (Pvt) Limited.