Retrospect 'Diversity Parliaments: Reflecting on Diversity & Inclusion' 15 October 2024

Since the launch of D&I Offices across the faculties, this evening took stock: What goals have we achieved? Where do we still have room to grow? And which areas remain unexplored? Staff and students participated in a lively edition of a joint Community dinner and BK Talks (with pizza and drinks) on Tuesday 15 October in the Oostserre, for an open conversation about Diversity and Inclusion within our education and research.  

During this combination session of BK Talks and Community dinner, there was plenty of room for an open conversation on Diversity and Inclusion in an informal setting. After an introduction by Javier Arpa, Cecile Calis, BK Community officer, took over the microphone to explain what has been achieved at our own faculty in recent years, but also what activities and events are coming up in the near future. 

Soon afterwards, the various panel members looked back on their own experiences and history. Where are they now, what was and is their path when we talk about inclusion and diversity? Do we feel safe in this world, in our own faculty, or in this political climate in our country and Europe or beyond?

Speaker Saloum Darboe diversity officer of ME: ‘Change comes with mistakes and we should not be afraid of that.’

The various speakers: Dr Lakshmi Priya Rayendran, Diversity Officer UCL Bartlett, Leo van den Burgh, Programme Director Bachelor BK, Saloum Darboe, Diversity Officer ME, TJ Rivera, Master student Architecture BK and Irene Luque Martin, Assistant Professor Urban Design, looked back and forward.

With delicious pizza for all -and sometimes mouthfuls-, questions were asked at and answered by the various panellists. 

More information

You can watch the presentations, questions and discussion in full via the link on YouTube.