Four UITP Diversity in Transport Ambassadors join European Commission network

Diversity and inclusion are key factors for making society evolve and innovate. As a key economic sector, transport must address the variety of needs of passengers and its workforce. To discuss this issue, the European Commission launched last year a new network of Ambassadors for Diversity in Transport.  

UITP is proud that four representatives have been appointed as Diversity in Transport Ambassadors: Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General, Lindsey Mancini, Acting Director of the Member Service Department, Brigitte Ollier, Senior Advisor on Social Affairs and Christel Goossens, Manager of Business and Human Resources Committee. This reflects UITP’s leading role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the public transport sector.

The first meeting of the network took place on 28 March and was the opportunity to exchange about initiatives to make the transport sector more diverse and inclusive.

“It was a pleasure to participate in-person in the meeting of Ambassadors for Diversity in Transport that was organised by the European Commission in the premisses of Eurocontrol”, says Brigitte Ollier. “Meeting the other participants and brainstorming on possible initiatives to promote diversity was a very exciting exercise. From a UITP viewpoint both perspectives, looking at transport users and promoting a more diverse workforce are crucial.”

Brigitte Ollier continues: “Mentalities are evolving (fortunately) and the level of awareness for diversity and better gender balance in the transport sector is increasing. It is however still challenging to identify and implement the effective initiatives and solutions that will pave the way to more equal and inclusive transport for all. Working on case studies was therefore a fruitful way to put our heads together and imagine different approaches.”

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of UITP’s values. As a global association working to build a better future for everyone, offering a variety of perspectives, skills and experiences help our sector thrive. 

Since many years, UITP has been active on this topic. Back in 2020, UITP published an Action Point on ‘How to build a diverse and inclusive sector’ and a toolbox with case studies from UITP members. The paper is focusing on how public transport can transform its internal organisation and workforce to become diverse and inclusive. Other recent publications and initiatives include a collection of “Promising practices on Integrating Gender Considerations into public transport policies and operations”, a collaboration with the World Bank, as well as the recurrent PT4ME campaign.

This week, UITP launched its Diverse Panel Charter. The charter invites UITP members, both organisations and individuals, to commit to organising and participating in diverse channels. This is following UITP’s own successful implementation of its gender equality policy, which resulted in the doubling of women speakers at our events, amongst other achievements. 

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Last year, our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Task Force, a group of 10 volunteers from the staff, revealed UITP’s D&I statement. The Task Force continue its work for encouraging diversity and inclusion both in the workplace and within our sector.