Executive insight

Diversity is an opportunity, not a threat

Every time a shocking event occurs, such as the death of George Floyd in the United States, it forces us to take a critical look at ourselves. What can we do better? How can we be part of the solution? Because one thing is certain: the fight against unequal treatment or exclusion - in all its forms - based on ethnicity, gender, ability, religion or origin is a continuous fight that can only be won if everyone contributes to it.

Within Ageas we have strict guidelines which prohibit discrimination of employees or applicants on any grounds whatsoever. At the same time we work on our strategy and policy in order to be able to make a significant contribution to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Striving for equality in society plays an important part in this.

We see diversity as an opportunity, not as a threat. Diversity in all its forms is an essential condition for being prepared as a business to face the challenges of the future. We are certainly not yet perfect in this area, we still have some way to go. But as an organisation we endeavour to create an environment with diverse cultures, colours and backgrounds. And we encourage everyone to embrace diversity!

Bart De Smet
CEO Ageas