LGBTI+ BUSINESS FORUM 2024
The 12th edition of the LGBTI+ Business Forum 2024 took place on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, from 8:30 to 13:00 at the House of the European Union in Bratislava. Thank you to everyone who participated and big thanks to all the speakers and partners.
If you were unable to attend, you can watch the video stream here.
During the Forum, we also promised to share with you other useful information to promote inclusion and diversity which our speakers mentioned:
- The Diversity Charter recently issued updated Recommendations on Inclusion of LGBTI+ people in the workplace, which you can download here. You can find more information about the Diversity Charter itself and their activities on their website.
- For those interested in the educational program for companies “Diversity connects”, which Roman Samotný spoke about, you can find more information on their website and also download here.
- We also mentioned the Diversity Index, a project of the Slovak National Center for Human Rights and the Pontis Foundation. It is a simple interactive tool that you can use to measure the level of diversity in your workplace. More information on the Diversity Index website.
- The file with presentations from the speakers of the LGBTI+ Business Forum 2024 is available for download here.
What is the topic of the forum?
The topic of this year’s forum is Diversity in ESG reporting in the context of the upcoming new ESG reporting obligations:
- What belongs in an ESG report and in what form?
- What are reportable activities within the Social aspect?
- What are examples of best practice in DEI (Diversity Equity Inclusion) reporting?
- What options do companies and organisations have for measuring and reporting inclusion on workplace?
Experts on ESG reporting and CSR together with representatives from the non-profit sector and corporate DEI specialists will provide answers to these and many other questions that companies in Slovakia face. We will also share the practical experience of a Slovak company in preparing for reporting on their DEI program and activities aimed at LGBTI+ employees. In the second block of our program, several companies will present their specific activities and projects for improving inclusion in the workplace (not only) for their LGBTI+ employees.
Who is the Forum for?
We welcome anyone interested in and/or with the means to influence company policies on diversity, equity and inclusion. The topic of this year’s forum is primarily focused on business leaders, professionals from HR, people managers, DEI champions and ESG/CSR specialists.
How to participate?
The participation in the forum is free of charge, however subject to registration. Due to capacity constraints, participation is limited to a maximum of two representatives per company. For attendees who cannot attend the forum in person we offer the option to register for video streaming.
Who organizes the Forum?
LGBTI+ Business Forum is organized by Diversity Pro.
The partners of the event are the EIB Group Office in Slovakia, Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Slovakia, the Office of the European Parliament in Slovakia and the companies KPMG, Lenovo and Kyndryl.
Matúš Vallo, mayor of Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic, took over patronage of the event. 
The event is organized under patronage of the European Parliament.
PROGRAM
Check-in for participants is open from 8:30, program will start at 9:00 a.m.
From theory to practice | 09:00 – 10:30
- Organisers welcome | Diversity Pro
- Partner’s welcome | Zuzana Kaparová, Head of EIB Group Office in Slovakia
- Partner’s welcome | Tatiana Kratochvílová, First Deputy Mayor, City of Bratislava
- ESG as a tool not only for reporting | Peter Škyrta, manažér udržateľnosti, KPMG na Slovensku
- What is the difference between CSR and ESG? What is the legal basis for ESG regulation? Why is it necessary to address the social aspect in current reporting?
- DEI reporting in practice | Ivana Vagaská, Executive Director of Business Leaders Forum a ESG Team Lead, Nadácia Pontis
- What options do companies and organizations have in measuring and reporting workplace inclusiveness? What DEI (Diversity Equity Inclusion) indicators are part of the current ESRS standards and what examples of good practice can already be found in the reports of companies operating in Slovakia?
- Measuring LGBTI+ inclusion in the workplace for the ESG report | Santiago Mendez, Head of EMEA Coporate Citizenship, Lenovo
- How can companies create a practical framework to track and measure LGBTI+ inclusion? What is the process of preparing supporting material on LGBTI+ DEI program for upcoming ESG report?
Coffee break | 10:30 – 11:00
Time for small refreshments and networking with the speakers.
Best practice examples | 11:00 – 12:30
- Partner’s welcome | Gabriella Sancisi, Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
During the second block of the forum, representatives of companies and the non-profit sector accepted our invitation to share with the participants examples of best practice in ESG reporting and their activities or programmes to improve inclusion in the workplace (not only) for LGBTI+ employees.
-
- Support of Diversity and Inclusion at every step of an employee’s career path |Lucia Gogová, HR leader for IBM Slovakia
- Specific examples from the practice of inclusion and diversity of IBM, which has a long-term commitment to create an inclusive work environment and promote diversity in various areas. It incorporates these best practices into its core values and activities, where each employee can positively influence the company and at the same time bring their authentic self to work.
- Inclusive Benefits for Everyone | Ivana Kubáňová, Total Rewards Specialist, Accenture
- Accenture transforms the core principles of Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) into tangible actions and initiatives that have a real impact on the workplace and employee benefits. By embracing these principles, Accenture ensures that all benefits are tailored to the diverse needs of its employees, fostering a culture of equality, respect, and fairness. This commitment is reflected in the wide variety of benefits offered, which take into account individual needs, whether related to family, health, or personal development.
- Key steps in LGBTI+ employment inclusion | Roman Samotný, Iniciatíva Inakosť
-
Iniciatíva Inakosť has developed a comprehensive training programme for employers, which has already been completed by 25 companies and organisations. This presentation will introduce the 6 modules that make up the “Inclusivity Connects” programme. It will showcase what can be done for inclusion of LGBTI+ people and what steps are important if an employer is striving for a fair workplace where everyone feels welcome.
-
- Intersectionality – Connecting LGBTQ+ to Other Aspects of Diversity | Jozef Pelikán, Associate Director, Europe Strategic Markets Pool Leader & Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Leader for Kyndryl Slovakia
- Intersectionality is crucial in understanding the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. By connecting LGBTQ+ identities with other aspects of diversity we can create more inclusive and supportive environments. This approach not only acknowledges the multifaceted nature of identity but also ensures that all voices are heard and valued.
- EIB Group Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Approach | Zuzana Kaparová, Head of the EIB Group office in Slovakia
- The principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of EIB Group’s identity as an EU institution. EIB Group aims to integrate these principles into all aspects of its operations, applying them to the EIB Group’s people facing policies, procedures, processes, and practices. By doing so, the EIB Group ensures to truly represent the full diversity of talent with the European Union.
- ESG in Slovenská sporiteľňa | Beáta Babačová, ESG Specialist and Diversity Inclusion Manager, Slovenská sporiteľňa
-
“Slovenská sporiteľňa wants to support the redirection of financial flows to measures to combat climate change, protect water resources and transition to a circular economy. However, this opportunity should be available to all equally, which is why we strive for inclusion in society. For this reason, we have launched many initiatives to promote financial education, social banking and affordable housing. Social inclusion is a priority for us and this is reflected in our products, services and client approach. Our goal is that all of our clients, without distinction, have the opportunity to build their financial health and thrive sustainably, including the most vulnerable populations.”
-
- Support of Diversity and Inclusion at every step of an employee’s career path |Lucia Gogová, HR leader for IBM Slovakia
- Thank you note | Vladimír Šucha, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia
Lunch | 12:30 – 13:00
Refreshments will be served from 12:30 and there will be a space for informal networking.
Photographs and video footage will be taken during the event. By participating you give your consent to their creation and their use for the needs of the event organizer.
SPEAKERS
We’re updating details about the speakers as they become available.
Peter Škyrta
Sustainability Manager | KPMG in Slovakia
Peter is a Sustainability Manager at KPMG in Slovakia, where he helps clients in various industries implement and improve their sustainability and practices in ESG. With more than 16 years of professional experience in this field, he has extensive experience in the implementation of environmental, health and safety (EHS) and ESG management systems, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculations and environmental due diligence audits.
He has a PhD in Environmental Engineering and is a certified auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 50001. He speaks at professional conferences and workshops as an expert on ESG and sustainability and has also contributed to the EKOprofit Bratislava project, where he has supported 32 companies in applying cleaner production principles. His mission is to help clients achieve their sustainability goals and create value for their stakeholders and future generations. Marketing agency Data on Steroids included him in the TOP 100 most influential content creators (sustainability category) on Slovak LinkedIn.
Ivana Vagaská
Executive Director of Business Leaders Forum and ESG Team Lead | Nadácia Pontis
Ivana has focused on corporate responsibility issues since 2012 when she joined the Pontis Foundation. She leads the ESG team, which includes the activities of the Business Leaders Forum, the Diversity Charter in Slovakia, the organization of the Via Bona Slovakia award, as well as corporate volunteering activities. Since the establishment of the Diversity Charter Slovakia in 2017, Ivana has been strategically working on the topics of diversity and inclusion, also providing advice to companies in this area and regular training for Charter signatories.
Santiago Mendez
Head of EMEA Coporate Citizenship | Lenovo
Santiago has 20+ years of working experience in the private sector, currently leading Lenovo Corporate Citizenship and Lenovo Social Impact for the Lenovo Foundation in Europe Middle east and Africa.
He is a Founder of the Lenovo Diversitas ERG, awarded as the 2018 Outstanding employee Network by the European Diversity Awards, and sponsor of Lenovo All DE&I Charters across Europe and Africa promoting the intersectionality of Diversity in the workplace.
Santiago defines as Slovak by heart, Colombian by blood and a wannabe activist working for a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Ivana Kubáňová
Total Rewards Specialist | Accenture
She has been with Accenture for nearly 20 years, gaining extensive experience in various areas of HR. In recent years, she has specialized in employee benefits, bringing innovative solutions to enhance employee satisfaction and motivation and she is also deeply engaged in initiatives that support employee wellbeing.
Roman Samotný
LGBTI+ activist, founder of Tepláreň, fundraiser and Head of Communication for Iniciatíva Inakosť
Roman studied journalism at Comenius University in Bratislava. Already during and after his studies, he worked in several media houses (TV JOJ, RTVS, SITA, Plus 7 dni). He is the creator of the Queer Slovakia platform, which organizes several events for LGBTI+ community and their beloved ones. It also includes the Tepláreň project, which used to be a bar and a community space. After the terrorist attack, Tepláreň continues as a series of events in various clubs and cultural centers. Since 2010, he has been a member of the Inakosť Initiative, where he is the head of communication, fundraising and events, and is also involved in education on the LGBTI+ topic. In 2022, he received the White Crow Award for civic courage and in 2023 the Award of the Mayor of Bratislava for creating a safe space.
Lucia Gogová
HR leader | IBM Slovakia
Lucia graduated in financial management at the University of Economics in Bratislava. She has 20+ years of work experience in the IT sector. Currently she is leading the HR department in Slovakia. Lucia is a certified business coach.
Jozef Pelikán
Associate Director, Europe Strategic Markets Pool Leader & Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Leader for Kyndryl Slovakia
With a tenure of over 18 years, Jozef has held a number of leadership positions across different organisations. When Kyndryl spun off and was established in 2021, Jozef started building the IDE structures within the Bratislava center. He oversees the activities and focus areas of all the IDE groups, bringing them together in one unified management system. Jozef also co-leads the LGBTQ+ group. Together they organised the IDAHOBIT at Kyndryl 2024 and a successfully participated on Bratislava Pride. During the latter, Kyndryl got hand-made presents to those Pride participants who decided to donate money directly to the Pride organization.
Jozef strongly believes in equity and intersectionality. He always focuses on bringing together more than one IDE group to collaborate on activities and projects, because nothing exists in isolation, especially not diversity and inclusion.
Zuzana Kaparová
Head of the EIB Group in Slovakia
Zuzana Kaparová is the Head of the EIB Group in Slovakia since 2023. With more than 17 years of experience, Zuzana worked in various positions at the Ministry of the Environment in the Czech Republic, for the European Commission in Brussels, or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C. Since 2015, she has been working for the European Investment Bank, where she held various positions, such as ECS EIB/JASPERS Expert in Vienna and Environmental Specialist in Luxembourg. She holds a Master’s in law from Charles University in Prague and Chemistry from University of Pardubice.
Beáta Babačová
ESG Specialist and Diversity Inclusion Manager | Slovenská sporiteľňa
Beáta graduated in International Law at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. She works as Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Manager at the largest bank in Slovakia. She is currently involved in supporting vulnerable groups in the workplace and community organising. At the bank she is part of the ESG team, where she is also responsible for monitoring and reporting on social issues. In her spare time, she is dedicated to promoting social innovation in the Austrian organisation Sozial Marie and works with the organisation Female Algorithm to eliminate gender inequalities and stereotypes in society.
H.E. Gabriella Sancisi
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Slovakia
Gabriella Sancisi is a career diplomat and currently the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Slovakia. Before taking up this post, she worked as the personal secretary of Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands for more than 7 years. She also worked as a secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rosenthal and State Secretary Timmermans. As part of her long-term work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she was posted in Zagreb as a deputy ambassador or in New York, where she held the position of counsel for culture and communication.
Vladimír Šucha
Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia
Vladimír Šucha has been the head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia since 2022. In 2021, EC sent him to UNESCO in Paris and before that, since 2012, he managed the scientific and knowledge service of the European Commission – the Joint Research Center. Before that, he worked as a director at European Commission’s General Directorate for Education and Culture and in several positions related to European and international policies. In the years 2000-2004 he was a member of the Slovak team that negotiated Slovakia’s entry into the EU in Brussels. In parallel, he devoted himself to scientific and pedagogical work in Slovakia and several places in the world. He published more than 100 scientific studies.
