IGS Diversity Task Force Gains Committee Status

An IGS working group committed to improving inclusion and equity in the Society and wider geosynthetics industry has been upgraded into a Committee.

Approval for the creation of an IGS Diversity Committee (DC) was made at the recent IGS Council meeting. The development from a IGS Task Force to a Committee body reflects the hard work and dedication of the founding members and will enable the group to better address diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) issues.

The group retains its original aims to increase women professionals and ethnic diversity in the IGS by 2026, and to have at least one annual cross-Society event celebrating diversity in the FedIGS (Federation of International Geo-engineering Societies). But it is now putting wider plans into fruition.

Committee lead, IGS Secretary General Laura Carbone said: "We have lots of exciting plans for the year ahead including developing DEI training and roundtable sessions for members, chapters and IGS Corporate Members, to support their efforts and understanding. We also want to review the IGS website and social accounts from a DEI perspective to ensure it supports all users and raises awareness with members so they stay updated with our activities".

"Also, the IGS DC is an open committee, meaning non-IGS Council members can join. Having significantly broadened the scope of our activities, we have created sub-committees to work on specific issues and actions such as social media, membership, data, and training. There is space for everyone that wants to play a role and shape the future of our Committee in the DEI perspective."

Officially launched in fall 2023, the Diversity TF was created to raise awareness, improve member empowerment, promote diversity, and grow networking opportunities. It held its first 'Diversity Breakfast' at the 12^thInternational Conference on Geosynthetics in 2023, followed by a 'Diversity Lunch' at GeoAmericas 2024. Similar sessions are planned for EuroGeo8 and GeoAsia8 next year.

Image 1: Diversity Lunch Panel at GeoAmericas2024 Toronto; Image 2: Diversity Breakfast Session at 12ICG Rome

"I'm very happy we are now a Committee, it's a great achievement for the founding members and to see us go from a group of six to currently 23. It reflects the importance the IGS is placing on this issue, supporting its development with the same commitment as its other committees," said Ms Carbone.

"Cultivating a more Representative organization is a key IGS strategic goal. Becoming a Committee empowers us to better address this exciting challenge."

IGS President Samuel Allen said: "The IGS Diversity Committee works to advance, cultivate and preserve a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging because it makes our Society stronger, more representative of its global membership, and because it directly aligns with our strategic goals. Congratulations to Laura and her team."

If you would like to find out more about the IGS DC or offer ideas, Ms Carbone can be contacted through the IGS Secretariat's office at igssec@geosyntheticssociety.org.