Driving Forward the Equity Agenda

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How do we drive forward the business agenda on equity in the context of 2024?

Hosted with Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge

This lecture explored different perspectives on how we can best navigate the political, social, and economic headwinds. The session inspires and offer actionable insights for driving the equity agenda forward in today’s complex global landscape, and embedding strategies for meaningful impact into business.

Speakers:

Dame Barbara Stocking, DBE, President Emerita and Honorary Fellow, Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge and former Chief Executive, Oxfam GB

Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Labour MP for Birmingham, Hodge Hill, and Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group on Inclusive Growth

Claudine McMahon, Global Head of Culture and Inclusion, Vodafone

Moderator:

Professor Anna Barford, Bye Fellow, Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge

This session was part of the Business Fights Poverty Global Equity Summit, held simultaneously online, in Cambridge and in Nairobi.

Participants joined for two engaging days, where we navigated the shifting landscape of business and equity, crafting strategies to tackle contemporary challenges. We delved into vital issues such as women’s entrepreneurship, health, gender-based violence, sustainable infrastructure, value chains, and empowering the youth.

Designed to spark meaningful dialogue and collaboration, our summits provide a platform for exchanging diverse viewpoints in a welcoming atmosphere. Each session, led by world experts and industry leaders, offers practical insights and strategies. Those that joined us online or in person were part of crucial conversations that aim to weave equity more deeply into the fabric of business practices, setting the stage for a more equitable and sustainable future.

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Dame Barbara Stocking, DBE, University of Cambridge:

“We have to start thinking about how the whole world can benefit from the things that are developed in other parts of the world to make sure that everybody gets access to things – and that’s what I mean by equity.”

Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Labour MP for Birmingham:

“If we want to exit from the situation that we’re in at the moment, we’ve got to build a bigger supply of better-paid jobs … Ultimately, if we want to be richer, we’re going to have to be smarter.”

Claudine McMahon, Vodafone:

“At the core of our strategy is starting to build coalitions and alliances between companies, corporations, communities, and partners on the same trajectory to support #equity – in the community and in business – to drive the agenda forward.”

Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Labour MP for Birmingham:

“Good jobs cannot be lost. The bottom line is that our country simply does not have enough good jobs. Figuring out how those jobs are created and what is needed from a #Partnership with the government is step number one.”

Claudine McMahon, Vodafone:

“There are developments that are starting to take hold that point to more positive momentum in terms of how we, as businesses, mature our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion – in our businesses, in our communities, and with our customers”

Professor Anna Barford:

“There is a global landscape of businesses needing to leverage their influence not only to advance the #equity agenda but also to inspire others”

Dame Barbara Stocking, DBE, University of Cambridge:

“The more we can get reasonable, good jobs in developing countries to enable more young people to feel they have purpose in life – this is important for individuals, countries, and their development.”