A Social Perspective

Presented By Kenoma Agbamu

United Nations Population Fund11th November 2006

“Managing and Living Diversity”

Outline

• Definitions of Diversity?• Diversity in the UN Charter • Supporting Actions for Managing Diversity

in the UN System

How Some Organizations see Diversity

“At Shell, diversity means all the ways we differ. It includes visible differences as well as underlying differences such as thought styles, religion, nationality, and education.”

Shell Petroleum

“At Cadbury Schweppes, diversity means difference and variety. It describes the distinct and original qualities that each individual brings.”

Cadbury Schweppes plc

Advantages of Diversity • Diversity enriches an organization by

bringing together different ideas and life experiences to generate a robust

outcome.

• It provides an organization with the credibility and legitimacy it needs to

engage its stakeholders or operate in new markets.

…However

• The more diverse an organization is, the more complex the processes of management and engagement – especially in cases of emergency.

• Diversity may also increase the potential of tension and misunderstanding in interaction or in creative work.

Conscious Diversity management enables

organizations to overcome these obstacles and reap the benefits

of diversity.

Diversity Codified in the UN Charter

Article 101 (3)...Due regard shall bepaid to the importanceof recruiting the staffon as wide ageographical basis aspossible

Article 8“The United Nations shallplace no restrictions onthe eligibility of men andwomen to participate inany capacity and underconditions of equality inits principal andsubsidiary organs.”

Article 1.

“ To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an

economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and

encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or

religion”

In Theory Definition

United Nations =DIVERSITY

Managing Diversity in the UN

Inclusive Leadership: this is the role of an individual to demonstrate a leadership

style that respects and promotes diversity

And this is done by: • Understanding Diversity • Encouraging Diversity • Celebrating Diversity

This strategy fosters a workplace that is free from discrimination by ensuring that all decision-making processes respect the various Expressions or

Dimensions of Diversity.

The Dimensions of Diversity

Some Specific Actions

• Competency Model– Diversity accepted as one of the core values– Performance Appraisal and development form (Mid &

end Term Evaluation)• Training and Development

– Build to support competency• Gender Equality

– HR Goal of 50/50 Gender Parity to be achieved by 2012

– Gender Sensitivity training • Geographical Distribution

– GA Resolution 53/221 – equitable representation of member states at decision-making level

Thank You.