Nordic Programme on Non-Discrimination

Helping companies lead on equity and inclusion.

The Nordic Programme on Non-Discrimination is designed to support Nordic businesses in advancing equality and inclusion across their operations. If your company is ready to take meaningful steps to identify, assess, and address discrimination-related risks, this programme will guide you through the process with practical tools and expert insights.

Through five expert-led sessions, peer learning opportunities, and individual work, participants will gain a solid understanding of how to assess their impact, prioritize action, and embed non-discrimination across the workplace, supply chains, and communities.

The programme will be held online in English.
 

Apply now

The programme is open and free of charge to UN Global Compact participants in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee participation. The registration period is open until 16 June 2025.

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What's the benefit?

  • Learn how to assess and strengthen your non-discrimination efforts with practical tools and guidance to evaluate current performance and build a structured approach across the workplace, supply chains, and communities.
  • Stay ahead of evolving regulations and position your company as a front runner in responsible business practices.
  • Demonstrate commitment and action - to your employees, investors and other key stakeholders - while also strengthening your ability to attract and retain top talent.
  • Build internal support and drive commitment to non-discrimination throughout your organization.
  • Engage with a network of peers and experts to exchange insights and work collectively to overcome common challenges and drive progress.

Join our info session

Join us online for a lunchtime info session on May 21st at 12.30-13.15 to learn more about the programme and ask any questions you may have!

Sign up

Programme structure
 

29 August, 10.30-12.30

Introduction to the programme and activities, chance for participants to meet each other 

19 September, 10.30-12.30

Definitions and management approaches
 

24 October, 10.30-12.30

Discussion on specific groups and challenges

21 November, 10.30-12.30

Adverse impacts of targets and backlash
 


12 December, 10.30-12.30

Programme participant presentations on learnings and actions going forward
 

Who is it for?

The Nordic Programme on Non-Discrimination is designed for company representatives working with social sustainability, human rights, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), human resources or other similar areas. Alumni of the Target Gender Equality Accelerator are also welcome to apply.

Your company should be able to point two working-level representatives to attend sessions and to participate in programme activities.

This programme is open exclusively to participants of the UN Global Compact networks in Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.

All participants are expected to attend each of the five core sessions of the programme, with each session lasting approximately two hours. In total, participants should plan for an overall time commitment of around 30 hours, including live sessions, individual work, and peer learning activities.

Why now?

Freedom from discrimination is a fundamental human right. However, embracing an inclusive and equitable workforce is not only the right thing to do - it’s also good for business.

Anti-discrimination initiatives foster positive workplace culture, boost creativity and innovation, support talent attraction and retention, increase employee engagement, and enhance reputation.

With growing pushback against non-discrimination globally, it’s now more important than ever for companies to understand how inclusive strategies help mitigate discrimination-related risks and deliver value for business and society. Nordic companies, with strong welfare systems and high equality rankings, are well positioned to lead by example in advancing human rights, equity, and inclusion throughout their operations and value chains.

Want to join?

The programme is open and free of charge to UN Global Compact participants in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee participation. The registration period is open until 16 June 2025.

Apply now

Frequently Asked Questions

The Nordic Programme on Non-Discrimination runs from August to December 2025, offering expert-led sessions and peer learning opportunities.

All participants are expected to attend each of the five core sessions of the programme, with each session lasting approximately two hours. In total, participants should plan for an overall time commitment of around 30 hours, including live sessions, individual work, and peer learning activities.

The Nordic Programme on Non-Discrimination is open exclusively to participants of the UN Global Compact networks in Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden. 

The programme is designed especially for company representatives working with social sustainability, human rights, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), human resources or other similar areas. Alumni of the Target Gender Equality Accelerator are also welcome to apply.

Participation is free of charge. Bear in mind that only companies committed to the UN Global Compact in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden can join the programme. 

Your company should be able to point two working-level representatives to attend sessions and to participate in programme activities.

The programme will be held online.

Live sessions and materials will be in English.