Nestlé Pakistan was highlighted as one of the most progressive organizations in Pakistan at the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDIB) Awards 2020. Diversity Hub-HR Metrics organized 2020 GDIB Awards and declared 19 organizations from Pakistan as winners
The corporate giant won three best practice awards in the categories of Vision, Leadership and Structure, respectively, at the annual diversity and inclusion conference held in Karachi, according to a statement released.
The recognition signifies Nestlé Pakistan’s constant commitment towards promoting diversity for creating an inclusive culture, and its purpose of embracing and enhancing the quality of life for all, while contributing to a healthier future, both within and outside the organization.
Global Diversity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDIB) – Standards for Organizations around the World – support organizations globally in the development and implementation of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) best practices. GDIB was developed by 95 Expert Panelists from around the world, and co-authors Julie O’Mara (Former National President American Society for Training & Development) and Alan Richter, Ph D.
Nestlé Pakistan recognized as Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Champion at GDIB Awards 2020 – https://t.co/oZQnsU8DiC pic.twitter.com/5OQfCcwQo7
— Dispatch News Desk (@dispatchnewsdes) March 4, 2020
GDIB awards are a platform to recognize and encourage progressive organizations who use GDIB standards to align D&I with organizational policies and process for sustainable financial and social performance.
To judge this year’s contestants, a five-member jury panel reviewed award submissions and declared 19 organizations as winners. These organizations include Engro Fertilizers Limited, Metro Cash and Carry, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Limited, Pakistan Tobacco Company, Abacus Consulting Technology Pvt Ltd, Nestle Pakistan, PepsiCo Pakistan, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Bank Alfalah, Engro Energy Limited, Habib Metropolitan Bank, Khaadi SMC Pvt Ltd, Telenor Pakistan, British Council Pakistan, KFC Pakistan, The First Microfinance Bank, HBL and AGP Limited.
The jury members include Ayesha Aziz MD Pak Brunei Investment Company, Moneeza Butt Partner KPMG, Dr Sadia Nadeem Dean FAST School of Management, Dr Jawad Syed Former Dean Suleman Dawood School of Business (LUMS) and Zahid Mubarik CEO HR Metrics Pakistan.
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These awards were presented during the Annual GDIB Awards & Conference on 4th March, 2020 at Marriott Karachi, where Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Former Governor State Bank, of was the Guest of Honour to present said awards to the winning organizations.
Talking about the achievement, Akmal Saeed, Head of Human Resources at Nestlé Pakistan said, “We have been working to implement diversity and inclusion principles every step of the way within our organizational structure as well as outside our business. We have incorporated D&I performance goals which help us stay motivated and demonstrate excellence in using GDIB Standards.”
“In order to promote a diverse and inclusive culture at our workplaces, we have been working on programs such as ‘Hai Tum Pe Yaqeen’ – an initiative for differently-abled and ‘Phir Se Ker Dikhao’ – that provides the right coaching and experiential learning for women to connect back with their work life. Meanwhile, in the ‘Kero Aitmaad’ program, we try to break stereotypes and encourage young female university students by sharing stories of those that joined the workforce, instilling hope, ambition, and self-confidence,” he added.
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In light of receiving the award, Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan said“It is an honor to be recognized for our efforts. This not only shows Nestlé’s commitment and dedication to diversity and inclusion, in line with UN SDGs 5 – Gender Equality, 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth and 10 – Reduced Inequalities but also motivates us to continue our mission further.”
Waqar Ahmad added that Nestlé Pakistan has been playing its role in community engagement and enhancement through various programs for its focus areas. “We are improving livelihood opportunities for rural women in Pakistan through programs such as Nestlé-BISP Rural Women Sales Program under Ehsaas, that focuses on graduating BISP beneficiaries out of poverty in line with SDGs.”
Congratulating Nestlé Pakistan on winning the award, Zahid Mubarik, CEO HR Metrics, and member BoD, Centre for Global Inclusion USA, said, “We recognize Nestlé’s commitment and efforts which are completely aligned with the GDIB Standards. The GDIB Awards is a mechanism to recognize organizations demonstrating excellence in using these standards to align diversity and inclusion within organizational policies and processes.”