Latest news with #DiversityandInclusion
The Wire
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Wire
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Hosted 2-day International Conference on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Health
Two-day conference brings together 230 participants from India and abroad to advance global healthcare collaboration Manipal, Karnataka, India (NewsVoir) The Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, in collaboration with the Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick (UNB), Canada, successfully inaugurated the Manipal International Conference on "Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Health: Envisioning a Future of Global Collaboration for Education, Research & Practice" at the Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium, KMC, Manipal. The conference, which began on July 8, 2025, following a Pre-Conference Workshop on Mixed Methods Research held on July 7, witnessed 230 participants from across India and international destinations. The event is designed to integrate EDI principles into healthcare education, research, and practice through global partnerships and inclusive approaches. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, graced the event as the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony. In his address, he emphasized the transformative potential of collaborative healthcare approaches and recognized MAHE's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. "Multidisciplinary collaboration holds the power to break barriers within healthcare systems. Dr. T.M.A. Pai's visionary contributions in advancing quality education at affordable costs continue to guide our alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting equality and inclusivity. The impactful partnership between MCON and UNB exemplifies this commitment," said Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, VSM (Retd) Vice Chancellor of MAHE Dr. Judith A. Noronha, Dean, MCON and organizing chairperson of the conference, welcomed the gathering and introduced the distinguished guests. Dr. Lorna Butler, Dean, Faculty of Nursing, UNB, Canada, and co-chairperson of the conference, highlighted the critical need for culturally responsive and inclusive health systems across international borders. A significant highlight of the conference was the Oration Lecture delivered in memory of Late Dr. Aparna Bhaduri by Dr. Anice George, Professor and Head, Research and Collaboration, and Former Dean, MCON, MAHE. The lecture, titled "Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare Education, Research, and Practice," was moderated by Dr. Vishnu Renjith, Lecturer and Program Director, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. "Diversity is not merely an ideal but an inclusive pathway that ensures all individuals feel welcomed, irrespective of their background, race, gender, or beliefs," stated Dr. Anice George during her oration. "Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion brings fresh ideas and perspectives, improves patient satisfaction and outcomes, and fosters an equitable and supportive workforce. We need a multi-pronged and proactive approach to embed inclusiveness into organizational culture and policies, making healthcare education, research, and practice equitable, impactful, and future-ready." The inaugural ceremony featured traditional elements including a floral tribute to Dr. T.M.A. Pai, founder of MAHE, and ceremonial lamp lighting by the dignitaries. Dr. Linu Sara George, Professor and Head, Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, MCON, and convener of the conference, presented an overview of the conference objectives and structure. The two-day conference program includes plenary sessions by national and international speakers, scientific paper presentations, and poster presentations. The conference aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically addressing "Good Health and Well-being," "Quality Education," "Gender Equality," "Reduced Inequalities," and "Partnership for Goals." Dr. Radhika R. Pai, Assistant Professor, Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, MCON, and co-convener of the conference, proposed a vote of thanks during the inaugural ceremony. The conference continued through July 9, 2025, with academic presentations, oration lectures, and deliberations focused on integrating EDI principles into healthcare education, research, and practice. About Manipal Academy of Higher Education The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Hamilton Spectator
04-06-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
B United to wrap up program with youth-focused events
One final event is planned for the month of June as part of the 'B United: Advancing Inclusion and Empowerment in Brantford' project. Last year, the City of Brantford teamed up with WAKING THE unCONSCIOUS (WtC) to connect with community organizations that engage with youth anywhere from the ages of zero to 14. WtC is a Toronto-based equity and social impact consulting firm that collaborates with its clients to customize solutions that respond to unique organizational needs and helps to tackle critical issues. By using data-driven insights and extensive community engagement, the firm works to create effective and inclusive solutions to address various challenges and to drive meaningful social impact. The B United initiative was designed to train and support Brantford's child and youth serving organizations in addressing systemic racism more effectively. 'This contract was focused around Equity, Diversity and Inclusion [EDI ]and the challenges around diversity and the growth of the city, the influx of new immigrants coming to the city, the historical history of those such as the African Canadians that have lived in the city, and the lack of unification of all those groups working together as our world changes,' said Nicole McKinney, Founder of WtC. 'We are in a global reckoning of change and so the ways of the old world are not the same as our world today.' With the support of the City's Health Kids, All Kids program, WtC worked with the Corporation of the City of Brantford to do two things; one being to offer free, introductory EDI training to those child serving organizations, and two, to create seven non-traditional activity-based events for children. Activities started back in October of 2024, kicking off with a free robotics event at the Brantford Public Library, followed by a Brantford Newcomers event; a Healthy Kids, Happy Families event; a B United Learn About Yourselves Kahoot event; and a B United Ball Hockey event. 'We've really tried to focus on a range of things that kids and people can get involved with within the city and be exposed to,' said McKinney. She said that in order to put all of this together, she was proud to have teamed up with equity-deserving communities within the city to create an advisory committee and gain input on what they wanted to see.' 'That advisory group was selected to make sure that we heard the voices of leaders from these equity-deserving communities in the city, and to help understand the concerns they had, the kinds of activities they felt were most important for children to engage in; activities that were psychologically safe, and that were representative of who they were and also representative of how they want to see their kids engage with other kids,' she said. 'There's been some amazing people within the city that have been so supportive, and those advisory group members need all the credit because they have really stepped up so much.' As far as what community members can expect from the B United initiative during the month of June, there will be free inclusion and empowerment training sessions, intended for child-serving organizations throughout the city, taking place throughout the month. 'If anybody's interested or has questions, they can reach out to us and sign up for training by emailing nicole@ ' The initiative's last event, the B United Sports Clinic, will take place on Friday, June 6, at Waterworks Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. While there, children ages six to 14 will have a chance to learn soccer, cricket and lacrosse with accredited coaches. Pre-registration is required, and the link can be found here: 'The idea is to give the kids who are participating some exposure to those activities and to learn from people that maybe don't look like them or that they haven't been exposed to; of course, soccer is more of a universal sport but with lacrosse being a historically Indigenous sport, and cricket being a Southeast Asian sport, it gives them the chance to explore some activities and get to know other kids that they may not have been exposed to before,' said McKinney. 'If the children have a nice time, if they learn something new, and if they sign up to cricket or lacrosse after that, then that is the benefit of doing something like this.' Overall McKinney said that B United has been a good initiative and an overall good starting place, but that naturally, there is still a lot of work to be done. 'I think it's going to take a lot of time to get everybody on board, but I think that we definitely made a start in getting people engaged with the people that make up their community,' she said. Kimberly De Jong's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Unity Cup returns after two decades celebrating Black heritage with football
Its been over 20 years since the first Unity Cup and since then it has yet to return however this year that all changed - The friendly competition is back but this time starring more countries than before. This week, four nations with deep roots in the UK brought community, culture and football to Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium for the long-awaited return of the Unity Cup. From steel pans and DJs to flags waving proudly in every direction, this was more than a football cup, it was a full on cultural link up and one that had been missing from the scene for twenty one years. On Tuesday 27th May, Jamaica's Reggae Boyz beat Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors in a fierce Caribbean clash. The following day, Nigeria's Super Eagles edged past Ghana's The Black Stars, securing their place in the final. With the third-place match and final showdown happening on Saturday , fans showed up not just to support their teams but to celebrate community, culture and shared roots. What is the Unity Cup? The Unity Cup is an international friendly football tournament originally launched in 2004, when teams from Nigeria, Jamaica and Ireland faced off at Charlton Athletic's ground. Then it was a moment, now it's a movement. Two decades later, the tournament returned with clearer purpose: to celebrate the cultural impact of African and Caribbean communities in the UK, particularly in London. Where those communities have helped shape the city's identity through food, music, language and history. This year's line-up features Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria and Ghana - four nations chosen for their heritage, their undeniable pride and their presence in the UK's multicultural landscape. From the food we eat, to the rhythms we dance to each of these cultures have left a mark in British identity in countless ways. The Unity Cup is a tribute to that legacy. Why Brentford? It's no coincidence that the tournament was hosted by Brentford FC. West London is known for its multicultural spirit, and Brentford's commitment to inclusion made it the perfect stage. Just weeks ago, the club was awarded the Premier League 's Intermediate Level for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (PLEDIS), highlighting their work both on and off the pitch - the decision to bring the Unity Cup her shows this wasn't just a football event - it was a celebration designed to reflect the city. From start to finish, the vibes were immaculate. On one end, a steel pan band played sweet melodies throughout the match. On the other, artist performances and DJs kept the energy high, soundtracking the day with bashment, afrobeats, gospel and everything in between. Crowds were filled out in jerseys and flags, the crowd came with whistles ready. It wasn't just a game - it felt like a mini carnival, with football as the headliner. But beyond the party, there was a powerful undercurrent of unity. Because although every player on that pitch shares a Black identity, the cultural nuances between African and Caribbean communities are deep but the Unity Cup created space for both and what came from that space was a beautiful sight. Brentford FC and NHS Blood & Transplant also used the event to host a 'Bee A Hero' blood donor drive - encouraging attendees to get their blood type tested and sign up as donors. This wasn't a side initiative. It was central part of what made the Unity Cup feel different and deeply necessary. This is especially important for Black communities, where conditions like sickle cell disproportionately affect lives. It the fastest-growing genetic condition in the UK. It causes excruciating pain, organ damage, and in many cases, lifelong complications. Treatment often relies on blood transfusions - but only 2% of donors in the UK are Black, even though over 55% of Black Londoners have the rare Ro subtype, which is crucial for sickle cell patients. The Unity Cup didn't just bring people together. It reminded them how they can help keep each other alive. Before the big final, the third-place playoff saw Ghana beat Trinidad & Tobago 4-0, securing the bronze position after dominating both halves. But what most people really came to see is the fight for the first place title - Jamaica vs Nigeria. The first half saw both teams scoring once, but in the final half the pressure was evident, the tackles were fiercer, the chants were louder - both teams were battling for the crown. The friendly competition started to look not so friendly. But when the final whistle came, both teams had scored twice. Which left no option, but a penalty shootout - all eyes were peeled. In a tense final few minutes, Nigeria came out on top, edging past Jamaica after the Reggae Boyz missed a crucial spot-kick. Whether it was the Reggae Boyz or the Super Eagles lifting the trophy, or you call it plan-tain or plan-tin, the real win was seeing the stands full of colour, culture, and connection in Brentford FC.
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Nigel Farage savaged with brutal comment over his maths skills
Nigel Farage's maths skills were questioned after newly release figures on diversity, equality and inclusion programmes suggest the Reform UK leader's costings don't add up Nigel Farage has been savaged over his maths skills after newly release figures suggest the Reform UK leader's costings don't add up. The outspoken politician earlier this week announced a raft of eye-catching policies, which he said in part would be paid for by scrapping diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) policies in the public sector. Reform UK said scrapping 'the DEI agenda' would save taxpayers £7billion. But the Cabinet Office last night published the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion review, commissioned by the previous Tory government, which told a different story. It found that EDI spending across the Civil Service was just £27.1million in 2022/23. A Cabinet Office source said: 'Maths is clearly not his strong suit. It's terrifying to think what he'd do to the family finances of working people if he ever got near power.' Reform UK said it had sent thousands of freedom of information requests and insisted billions in savings could be made. It said the £7bn figure was not just from government departments or the civil service, but across public bodies including universities, school boards, emergency services and the Armed Forces. It comes after Keir Starmer yesterday launched a ferocious attack on Mr Farage - branding him " Liz Truss 2.0". The Prime Minister turned his fire on the Reform UK leader in a speech in the north west, accusing him of planning a 'mad experiment' that will hammer family finances. He compared Reform's uncosted pledges to Tory disaster Liz Truss, who triggered market chaos and sent mortgage rates rocketing with her tax-slashing mini-Budget. The PM was reacting to a major speech by Mr Farage on Tuesday where he announced a series of headline-grabbing plans. Among them, the right-wing politician tried to outflank Labour by committing to fully reinstating the winter fuel payments and reversing the two-child benefit limit. It comes after the PM announced at least a partial U-turn on winter fuel cuts, while ditching the Tory-era two-child benefit policy is 'on the table' for the Government. The Reform leader also said his 'biggest aspiration' was for Brits to avoid paying tax on any earnings up to £20,000 (a plan that could cost up to £80billion). Labour analysis suggests the policy could lead to increased mortgage payments of £5,500 for the average family because it could require billions of pounds of additional borrowing every year. Mr Farage said he'd pay for announcements by scrapping plans to reach net zero carbon emissions, closing asylum hotels and ditching diversity programmes - but he gave little detail on how any of this would work. A furious Mr Starmer said the Reform UK leader is doing a 'Liz Truss 2.0' and wants to 'blow up the economy'. 'We're once again fighting the same fantasy, this time from Farage,' he said. 'The same bet in the same casino: That you could spend tens of billions of pounds on tax cuts without a proper way of paying for them. Using your monthly finances, your mortgage, your bills as the gambling chip on this mad experiment.' A Reform UK spokesman said: 'Under a Reform government DEI spending in the civil service and across public sector bodies will drop to zero. DEI agendas are divisive and inconsistent with British values. We believe in a meritocracy where privileges are given out based on merit rather than skin colour or gender.'
New York Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Verizon axing DEI programs as it seeks FCC approval for $9.6B Frontier deal
Verizon Communications said Friday it is ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs after the Trump administration opened a probe and as the US telecom carrier seeks approval to purchase Frontier Communications. Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr in February criticized Verizon for its promotion of DEI programs and said it could be a factor in the Frontier deal. Verizon said in a letter to Carr seen by Reuters the company was removing its 'Diversity and Inclusion' website and removing references to DEI from employee training and making other changes to hiring, career development, supplier diversity and corporate sponsorship practices. Verizon said it was removing references to DEI from employee training and making other changes to hiring, career development, supplier diversity and corporate sponsorship practices. Christopher Sadowski The company will no longer maintain any workforce diversity goals and will drop a component of its management compensation plan that historically included a goal to increase the representation of women and minorities in the company's US workforce. 'Verizon recognizes that some DEI policies and practices could be associated with discrimination,' said Verizon chief legal officer Vandana Venkatesh in the letter saying the change were effective immediately. Carr, a Republican designated by President Trump in January, told NBC News parent Comcast in February he was opening a similar probe into the company's promotion of DEI programs. Carr said in a statement he was pleased Verizon is ending its DEI policies outlined in the letter. 'This is a good and important step forward — one that promotes equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and the public interest,' Carr said. FCC Chair Brendan Carr told NBC News parent Comcast in February he was opening a similar probe into the company's promotion of DEI programs. AFP via Getty Images Verizon is nearing FCC approval for its $9.6 billion purchase of Frontier. Trump in January issued sweeping executive orders to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the US and pressured the private sector to join the initiative.
