DEI Initiatives at AIESEC

“DEI is not just important for AIESEC; it is the very fabric of our existence”

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are central to AIESEC’s mission of achieving peace and fulfilling humankind's potential. As an organization driven by young people, we understand that creating a world where everyone has a voice begins within our global community. DEI is not just a principle we advocate; it’s the lens through which we design and deliver our activities, empowering individuals aged 18 to 30 to lead inclusively.

In AIESEC, DEI is reflected in how we approach our internal and external activities. Internally, we prioritize training and capacity-building sessions for our members to foster inclusive mindsets. Externally, through our exchanges and events, we unite diverse individuals and encourage cross-cultural understanding. DEI for us is about creating environments where everyone- regardless of their background; can grow, contribute, and lead. Just like our vision of developing anyone, anywhere.

Whether it’s a young leader discovering the importance of inclusion during a training session or a participant finding their voice during a global event, these moments remind us why DEI is essential for driving change in our world.

DEI Initiatives & Projects

We have embedded DEI into our core activities by focusing on training for our membership and integrating DEI principles into our external initiatives. Here are some key efforts:

Membership Training

Throughout our local, national, and international conferences, we have conducted sessions on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and fostering belonging. These trainings equip our members with the tools to approach their roles with empathy and understanding.

Exchange Programs

Our Global Volunteer, Global Talent, and Global Teacher programs are structured to promote cultural exchange and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Global Volunteer program, especially, is built on a curriculum directly aligned with a specific SDG, ensuring that the activities address pressing global challenges and promote DEI. The SDGs themselves are a foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, making them an ideal foundation for our programs. This impact extends beyond the direct beneficiaries of the volunteering projects, as exchange participants also experience personal growth, develop cross-cultural understanding, and adopt inclusive mindsets through their engagements. Each exchange offers participants the opportunity to work in diverse environments, breaking down stereotypes and fostering inclusion.

Dialogue Through Events

Events like the Youth Speak Forum and Heading for the Future have created impactful spaces for dialogue. 

Additionally, our participation in high-profile events in New York, such as the CSW68 Forum, the ECOSOC Youth Forum, and the Summit of the Future, has allowed us to bring youth voices to the global stage. At these events, our president, Ana Leonor Fernandes, delivered powerful speeches on topics like women empowerment and global opportunities. 

We also hosted side events to discuss critical issues such as climate change, education, and inclusion, further emphasizing the importance of youth-led dialogue in addressing global challenges. These events empower youth to take the lead in addressing global challenges.

Purpose and Impact 

The purpose of these efforts is to:

• Equip young people with inclusive mindsets and leadership skills.

• Promote cross-cultural understanding through meaningful exchanges.

• Create platforms for dialogue where diverse voices come together to co-create solutions for global challenges.

The impact of these initiatives is far-reaching. Through our exchanges, participants not only contribute to community development but also return home with a deeper appreciation for diversity. Events like the Youth Speak Forum amplify the voices of young leaders, ensuring they are part of critical global conversations.

Future Goals 

Moving forward, we aim to:

• Enhance our training programs to include more specialized DEI content, such as accessibility and gender equity.

• Expand the reach of our exchanges to underrepresented communities.

• Strengthen partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to DEI, ensuring our events continue to serve as inclusive platforms for dialogue.

Women Empowerment

Women empowerment is a key focus within AIESEC. Internally, we ensure that training sessions address gender biases and promote equal opportunities for leadership roles. At conferences, we dedicate spaces to discuss challenges faced and strategies to overcome them. We are also actively involved in the global dialogue, exemplified by our speech at the UN Headquarters during the CSW68 Summit; a conference we attended in 2022. These opportunities amplify the importance of fostering equitable spaces for women globally.

Externally, our Global Talent and Global Teacher programs provide opportunities for young women to develop professionally. Through these exchanges, participants build skills, gain confidence, and access networks that support their growth.

Encouraging and Supporting Women Leaders 

We actively encourage women to pursue leadership by:

• Creating mentorship opportunities for our membership.

• Highlighting the achievements of women leaders in AIESEC to inspire others.

• Creating a specific global curriculum for the Global Volunteer program on SDG 5 - Gender Equality. 

Opportunities and resources through our exchanges, we provide women with opportunities to take on roles in diverse industries, from education to engineering. These experiences are invaluable for building skills and networks that support long-term career growth.

People with Disabilities

Improving Experiences 

AIESEC is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities feel valued and included. Internally, we provide training for our members to better understand the needs of individuals with disabilities. Externally, we adapt our exchange programs to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring everyone has the chance to participate, but also the Volunteering Programme itself to be created on topics such as. 

Support and Accommodation 

We provide accommodations for volunteers with disabilities, including accessible housing and tailored support during events. Our members are trained to approach these situations with empathy and flexibility, ensuring a positive experience for all.

Equal Opportunities 

We strive to remove barriers in our application and participation processes. By fostering inclusive environments during exchanges and events, we ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to contribute and thrive.

Best Practices

Training at International Conferences

Sessions on DEI have become a staple at our conferences, equipping thousands of members with the knowledge and tools to lead inclusively.

Inclusive Exchanges

Our exchange programs have reached participants from diverse backgrounds, creating transformative cross-cultural experiences. We are present in more than 100 countries and territories, delivering annually over 10.000 exchanges, yes still not reaching every place on Earth (yet).

Global Dialogue

Events like the Youth Speak Forum have brought together voices from around the world to address critical DEI topics, amplifying youth perspectives.

Strategies and Practices

• Embedding DEI in our leadership development model for members.

• Designing exchanges that prioritize cultural understanding.

• Partnering with organizations to enhance the inclusivity of our events.

Cultural Impact 

These successes have fostered a culture of empathy and inclusivity within AIESEC. By prioritizing DEI, we have strengthened our ability to create impactful exchanges and events that drive meaningful change.

Project Challenges

Cultural Sensitivity

Navigating diverse cultural perspectives on DEI has been complex.

Resource Limitations:

Ensuring sufficient resources for DEI initiatives remains an ongoing challenge.

Specific Cases 

One challenge arose during a global conference where discussions on DEI revealed significant cultural differences in understanding inclusivity. This highlighted the need for localized approaches to training.

Lessons Learned

Start with Education

Building awareness through training is essential.

Listen Actively

Understanding diverse perspectives ensures that initiatives are meaningful and impactful.

Collaborate Broadly

Partnerships amplify reach and effectiveness.

Advice for Leaders

Prioritize Youth Voices

Engage young people as co-creators of DEI initiatives.

Be Patient

Transforming mindsets and systems takes time.

Lead by Example

Demonstrating commitment to DEI inspires others to follow.

AIESEC was born out of the vision of a young leader after the Second World War, a leader who believed in the transformative power of bringing people together. This vision was so bold that it led to imprisonment, yet it set the foundation for what we stand for today. DEI is not just important for AIESEC; it is the very fabric of our existence.

As an organization, we promise to develop value-driven leaders, whether through our membership program or our exchange experiences. We aim to nurture individuals who do not merely aspire to leadership positions but have the courage to speak up and change the world for the better. Our vision is to develop anyone, anywhere, ensuring that our foundation as an organization is deeply rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

Through AIESEC, we continue to inspire young people to lead with empathy, break barriers, and create meaningful change. Together, we work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their background, can thrive and contribute to a better world.

#InclusiveFuture #EmpowerThroughRespect #DiversityAndInclusionMatters #WomenInLeadership #AccessibleAndInclusive #EqualOpportunitiesForAll #SocialMobilityForAll #EmpoweringWomenGlobally #DEIInAction #QualificationsForAll #BuildingInclusiveWorkplaces #AIESEC

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of TDX Consulting or the Workplace in Action® program. The content and ideas presented by the authors are their personal opinions and should not be considered the official policy or stance of TDX Consulting or the Workplace in Action® program.