In a rapidly changing world, we must prosses vast amounts of information and often very quickly. To simplify this process, our brains tend to assess characteristics, such as gender, ethnicity, educational background, and values by using automatic responses. In today’s fast-paced society, this can lead to discrimination and a lack of inclusion.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having unprecedented impacts across the globe, especially on human health and economic activities. In this context, the outbreak affects all segments of the population, but is particularly detrimental to members of the most vulnerable social groups, including people living in poverty situations, older persons, persons with disabilities, youth, and indigenous peoples. They stand to suffer disproportionately both from the pandemic and its aftermath – whether due to limited movement, fewer employment opportunities, increased xenophobia, etc.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Bahçeşehir University have joined efforts to host a special Virtual Roundtable on the impact unconscious and implicit biases have on our thoughts and behaviours, and therefore on humanity as a whole. 

Under the theme of “building back better”, the event will bring together international experts to discuss how to foster inclusive workplaces and societies, and share practical experiences and suggestions on how to address biases on both an individual and institutional basis.