KARACHI: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) convened its 2nd Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2024 in Karachi to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. The event gathered CEOs, HR heads, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss strategies for integrating Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into the workforce.
According to Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the conference, themed "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive, Sustainable Future," urged businesses to adopt accessible workplace practices. Ahmed Khan Bozai, a member of the OICCI Managing Committee, underscored the need to address systemic barriers to PWD inclusion, emphasizing that diverse work environments foster innovation and belonging.
The conference outlined four key areas for fostering inclusion: overcoming barriers to PWD employment, refining HR policies, enhancing workplace accessibility, and bolstering national policies through public-private partnerships. OICCI Secretary General M Abdul Aleem called for ongoing commitment to creating equitable workplaces.
Sadia Salman, CEO of Diet by Design, highlighted neurodiversity's value and urged embracing diverse talents. Personal stories from Salman Elahi of the Blind Institute for National Awareness and Empowerment and Arslan Ahmed from Standard Chartered Bank illustrated overcoming professional challenges despite disabilities.
A panel discussion, led by experts like Madiha Siddiqui of NOWPDP and Khalid Zaman Khan of Meezan Bank Limited, explored strategies to bridge gaps in HR, infrastructure, and policy. The panel stressed collaboration between corporations, advocacy groups, and the public sector to advance inclusion.
OICCI Managing Committee member Farheen Salman Amir closed the event with a call to action, highlighting the role of corporate practices in fostering accessibility. OICCI committed to supporting the government's 2% PWD employment target and sharing best practices with other organizations.