Press Release

GE to host BELONG 2021 conclave to celebrate inclusion, diversity and equity in South Asia

  • The three-day event will see more than 25 speakers – including GE’s chief diversity officer Mike Barber, eminent cricketer Mithali Raj, five diversity leaders from peer companies – discuss personal lessons and corporate best practices in promoting inclusion, diversity and equity
  • A GE-Avtar study on the state of Women in Operations, Manufacturing and Engineering Services will be released at the event

GE’s South Asia Inclusion and Diversity Council will organize BELONG 2021, an Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (IDE) conclave from 16th to 18th November 2021. The three-day virtual conclave for 19,000 GE employees and invited guests, will consist of 18 thought provoking sessions on topics on building an inclusive world that helps people from different genders, sexual orientations and abilities to thrive. GE’s Global Chief Diversity Officer, Mike Barber, will kick off the event.

 

25 speakers including diversity leaders from Wells Fargo, Thoughtworks, Tata Steel, KEC (RPG), Whirlpool, eminent cricketer Mithali Raj, senior sports journalist Sharda Ugra will speak at the event. Trainers and facilitators from external IDE focused organizations Avtar, Pehli Barish, GiftAbled and Training Sideways will take the audience through a journey of awareness, discovery and allyship in the IDE area.

 

The joint study will provide recommendations for Government policy makers, educational institutions and corporates who are committed to improving inclusion and diversity in these core sectors that drive ‘Make in India.’

 

Mahesh Palashikar, President, GE South Asia said, “Our South Asia leadership, employee resource groups and our I&D council have been driving inclusion within GE and our local communities for over 20 years. BELONG 2021 is a celebration of what we have achieved over the years but more specifically in the last 12 months. I am grateful to our partner organizations and diversity leaders in our peer companies who will generously share their knowledge and best practices with the participants.”

 

Sukla Chandra, GE South Asia Inclusion and Diversity Council leader said, “What makes the I&D council at GE successful is the passion of our employees who drive it. They work alongside our business leaders to drive policies and processes that help make our workplace inclusive, fun and engaging for diverse group. A place where people feel they truly belong.”

“BELONG 2021 will be a place to listen, learn and celebrate the best in GE and in our industry,” Chandra added.

 

About GE in South Asia

GE has been operating in South Asia since 1902. Today, its 19,000 employees based here work in research, development, product design, manufacturing, project execution and services. Over the decades GE has built deep partnerships with local joint venture partners, customers and suppliers. GE’s partners and customers in India include Government enterprises, large Indian conglomerates as well small and medium sized companies in Aviation, Healthcare and Energy sectors. In 2018, GE started to mentor health-tech start-ups through its India Edison Accelerator.

ABOUT GE

GE (NYSE:GE) rises to the challenge of building a world that works. For more than 125 years, GE has invented the future of industry, and today the company’s dedicated team, leading technology, and global reach and capabilities help the world work more efficiently, reliably, and safely. GE’s people are diverse and dedicated, operating with the highest level of integrity and focus to fulfill GE’s mission and deliver for its customers.

For more, visit www.ge.com

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