In this article, there are three buzzwords circulating among politicians and business leaders at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland: diversity, equity, and inclusion. The focus on DEI is not surprising, given its prominence at the White House as well.
During a virtual appearance at Davos, President Donald Trump emphasized his administration’s efforts to eliminate discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. He signed an executive order on his first day in office to dismantle federal government programs related to diversity and inclusion. While the order initially applied to federal government employers, Trump hinted at extending it to private institutions.
In response to the executive order, Trump’s administration has also addressed affirmative action in federal contracting and placed all federal DEI staff on paid leave. Discussions at Davos have revolved around DEI, including considerations to alter communication strategies and potentially rebrand the commonly used acronym.
Corporate leaders at the summit have expressed a commitment to maintaining their core values while adapting language and policies as needed. Executives highlighted their dedication to engaging with diverse communities and fostering inclusive environments within their organizations. They emphasized the benefits of diversity in driving innovation, productivity, and overall business performance.
