Dubai, 11 March 2019: SNC-Lavalins Middle East Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Business Network has signed the United Nations Womens Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs), which are aligned with the companys commitment to foster an inclusive culture that promotes gender equality and supports employees professional development, skills and knowledge throughout their career.

Coinciding with International Womens Day, the signing ceremony took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during a business networking event held by SNC-Lavalin and attended by clients and other industry peers who have also signed the UN WEPs, including Parsons, SSH, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), BAM International, in addition to dmg events. The event was also attended by Alice Laugher, a Board Member of the United Nations Global Compact UAE Network, Chair of its WEPs taskforce and CEO of Committed to Good, and hosted a panel to discuss ways to advance womens empowerment in the industry across the region, and share key learnings and commitments made in organizations. The panel discussion was moderated by Nicole Malick, a Sustainability Consultant and an expert in UN WEPs toolkit, and included senior leadership speakers from SNC-Lavalin, Jacobs, Parsons and SSH.

In todays market, a diverse workforce is a key driver to boosting productivity and innovation in the construction industry. Signing the UN WEPs underpins SNC-Lavalins long-term commitment to supporting gender equality and empowering women at all levels across the organization, said Grant Porter, CEO, Engineering, Design and Project Management, Middle East and Africa at SNC-Lavalin, and Chairman of the companys Middle East Diversity and Inclusion Network. By bringing together industry players to share key learnings, we are not only raising awareness about womens empowerment but also leading the way to create rewarding career opportunities and future growth for female talent across the region.

In 2016, SNC-Lavalin launched its diversity and inclusion program globally with a focus on increasing the percentage of women in technical and management positions to 20% by 2020, up from the current 14%. Following the acquisition of Atkins in July 2017, SNC-Lavalins (Nisa) has joined forces with Atkins Womens Business Network to launch the companys D&I Business Network in February 2019. The newly established network will focus on driving the companys diversity and inclusion targets, and leading on proactive employee and local community engagement initiatives, training and awareness campaigns.