On diversity, MIPIM can be part of the solution

News

Filippo Rean

28 February 2018

This year, the world’s largest real estate event takes place against a backdrop of introspection, not only within the property sector, but across many other industries, as attitudes towards equality, diversity and behavioural norms in the workplace come under scrutiny.

In the weeks preceding MIPIM, we have had many conversations with clients, many of whom acknowledged that the real estate industry needs to do more to ensure equality and diversity.

Many industry leaders, women and men, are and have been championing change, not just because it makes ethical and moral sense, but because it is also good for business.

Radical change

Indeed, the global real estate industry is undergoing radical change and those organisations that engage in forward thinking will be better placed to succeed in the future. The only way to do this is to have a broad range of people around the decision-making table.

In short, an industry that wants to employ the brightest and best needs to be able to attract the best talent regardless of gender, race, sexuality, and economic background.

At MIPIM, we will provide an international platform for the debate for issues to be aired and for progress to be made in the fields of equality and diversity. We believe that this is an exciting and unique moment in which tangible progress can be made. The programme for MIPIM demonstrates the appetite for change.

The opening keynote address by Adora Svitak, a 20-year old American author, lecturer and advocate for the young generation, will be a fitting and stimulating call for urban development to take into consideration the aspirations of the young.

We believe that the largest Women in Real Estate networking event on March 13 will be a forum for constructive exchanges.

New technology and proptech focuses at MIPIM will be a timely reminder about the new thinkers and game-changers who are driving the tech startups that are increasingly affecting real estate.

Population growth

Our conference sessions devoted to urban development in Africa will raise awareness of important issues facing a continent that is seeing city population growth explode.

In addition to the official conference panels “Future of Work: The Benefits of Diversity” on 15 March 15, MIPIM is working alongside the Department of International Trade’s “The Importance of Workforce Diversity in the Knowledge Economy” on 15 March and the London Standard/EG-hosted “London is Open: Diversity is a Mindset” on 14 March to provide food for thought and a plan for action.

MIPIM 2018 is a unique opportunity for the forward-thinkers of the sector to interact and exchange ideas so that, together, we can move towards a time when diversity, equality and mutual respect are no longer issues in or outside the workplace.

MIPIM 2018 COMMENT: In a few days’ time, 25,000 leaders from the international real estate community, city administrators and politicians from 100 countries will gather in Cannes to attend MIPIM, writes Filippo Rean, real estate division director, Reed MIDEM. This year, the world’s largest real estate event takes place against a backdrop of introspection, not only within the property sector, but across many other industries, as attitudes towards equality, diversity and behavioural norms in the workplace come under scrutiny. In the weeks preceding MIPIM, we have had many conversations with clients, many of whom acknowledged that the real estate industry needs to do more to ensure equality and diversity. Many industry leaders, women and men, are and have been championing change, not just because it makes ethical and moral sense, but because it is also good for business. Radical change Indeed, the global real estate industry is undergoing radical change and those organisations that engage in forward thinking will be better placed to succeed in the future. The only way to do this is to have a broad range of people around the decision-making table. In short, an industry that wants to employ the brightest and best needs to be able to attract the best talent regardless of gender, race, sexuality, and economic background. At MIPIM, we will provide an international platform for the debate for issues to be aired and for progress to be made in the fields of equality and diversity. We believe that this is an exciting and unique moment in which tangible progress can be made. The programme for MIPIM demonstrates the appetite for change. The opening keynote address by Adora Svitak, a 20-year old American author, lecturer and advocate for the young generation, will be a fitting and stimulating call for urban development to take into consideration the aspirations of the young. We believe that the largest Women in Real Estate networking event on March 13 will be a forum for constructive exchanges. New technology and proptech focuses at MIPIM will be a timely reminder about the new thinkers and game-changers who are driving the tech startups that are increasingly affecting real estate. Population growth Our conference sessions devoted to urban development in Africa will raise awareness of important issues facing a continent that is seeing city population growth explode. In addition to the official conference panels “Future of Work: The Benefits of Diversity” on 15 March 15, MIPIM is working alongside the Department of International Trade’s “The Importance of Workforce Diversity in the Knowledge Economy” on 15 March and the London Standard/EG-hosted “London is Open: Diversity is a Mindset” on 14 March to provide food for thought and a plan for action. MIPIM 2018 is a unique opportunity for the forward-thinkers of the sector to interact and exchange ideas so that, together, we can move towards a time when diversity, equality and mutual respect are no longer issues in or outside the workplace.