21 September 2021, London, UK: Cricketing legend Sir Andrew Strauss will launch discussions around mental health for Dive In 2021, as research reveals it should be top of the agenda for the global insurance industry next year.
The insurance industry’s biggest diversity and inclusion festival, Dive In, kicks off today and runs until the 23 September. Employees in the insurance industry will join the festival, both virtually and physically, across nearly 40 countries. Asked on what topics should be tackled as a priority in the global insurance sector, 11,000 attendees identified mental health (67 per cent), gender equality (45 per cent) and racial inclusion (42 per cent).
Findings also revealed that Dive In is continuing to reach new audiences, with 62 per cent of those registered attending for the first time, indicating that more people than ever are wanting more information about some of the diversity and inclusion issues that have come to prominence during the pandemic.
The Dive In festival is a global movement to support the development of inclusive workplace cultures in the insurance sector. Established in 2015, it is now one of the largest diversity and inclusion events in the world. This year’s theme of active allyship asks festival go-ers to turn their commitments into actions to support those from underrepresented groups and create inclusive environments for all.
Renowned confirmed speakers for this year’s festival include former Prime Minister of Denmark, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, who will discuss her experience of active allyship throughout her career. In the UK, multi-award-winning director, writer, actor and transgender activist Jake Graf will talk about LGBT+ parenting and presenter, actress and disability activist Samantha Renke will discuss how to become more disability confident. In Jordan, Palestinian film director Najwa Najjar will discuss her journey in becoming a successful director in a male-dominated industry.
Jason Groves, chair of Dive In and global director of media relations at Marsh, said: “Following an extremely challenging 18 months, it is unsurprising that mental health has been pushed firmly up the agenda across all regions of the world. The results of the survey represent a rallying call for organisations to put in place measures to support colleagues from all backgrounds and circumstances, especially as they begin returning to the office. With over 145 events covering almost every aspect of diversity and inclusion, and 15 alone on mental health, we will have a range of assets and practical tips to help individuals and organisations to do just this.”
Dominic Christian, chair of Inclusion@Lloyd’s and global chairman of reinsurance solutions at Aon UK, adds: “Dive In has grown far beyond its roots to become a global diversity and inclusion movement. Now in its seventh year, it’s incredible to see that the festival is still gaining new audiences across the world, facilitated by the hybrid festival format. We are delighted to welcome a string of high-profile speakers who will help us deliver our message and drive this year’s theme of active allyship.”
A host of Global Festival Partners are once again supporting this year’s festival, including: AIG, Aon, Arch, Aviva, AXA, AXIS, Chubb, CNA, DLA Piper, Dual, Gallagher, Guy Carpenter, Howden, Kennedys, Liberty Mutual, Lloyd’s, Markel, Marsh, MS Amlin, RenaissanceRe, RMS, Tokio Marine Kiln, Travelers and Willis Towers Watson.
To register for Dive In 2021 events, and for more information on previous festivals, visit the Dive In Festival website.
Sir Andrew Strauss is represented by the Champions Diversity and Inclusion speakers agency.
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