Empathy in the face of diversity - NZ Diversity Forum at AUT
Professor Edwina Pio and Associate Professor Gail Pacheco found an audience keen to hear about their diversity research at the NZ Diversity forum in September.
"Empathy in the face of diversity' was the theme of this year's forum, organised by the New Zealand Human Rights Commission and supported by AUT (through the NZ Work Research Institute). The forum was held at the AUT City Campus and attracted hundreds of participants from community groups, the business sector and advocacy organisations.
M.A.D for Peace
The keynote presentation was given by Dr Gill Hicks, a double amputee survivor of the 2005 London bombing and founder of M.A.D for Peace, an organisation that promotes the idea of our individual responsibility in creating a world in which extreme conflict and its human consequences are ended.
Sick of Discrimination
Associate Professor in Economics Gail Pacheco presented her research into the link between discrimination and health, particularly mental health. She shared some startling statistics with the audience, including the fact that one in ten New Zealanders have suffered discrimination. View Gail Pacheco's presentation "Sick of Discrimination" here.
Religion in the Workplace
Professor of Diversity Edwina Pio spoke about religion in the workplace, urging the audience to move beyond talking about diversity and to think about how they could act to further positive diversity. "In New Zealand we have more ethnicities (213) than there are countries in the world. We need to move beyond talk about diversity, to action," said Professor Pio.
Other speakers
Other speakers at the NZ Diversity Forum included the Police Commissioner Mike Bush who spoke about empathy as a core value for the NZ Police, Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy and Aquinas College student Kimberly D'Mello, winner of the Race Unity Speech Competition.
More information about the NZ Diversity Forum.