Inequality is a persistent global challenge — but business events can be powerful tools for change. Through the lens of Sustainable Development Goal 10, BestCities Global Alliance is advancing equity by using international conferences to amplify marginalized voices, foster inclusion, and leave lasting legacies in communities worldwide.Inequality permeates society, as it has done so for thousands of years. However, in recent years the push for equal opportunity has gained significant momentum. To increase awareness of this movement, the United Nations established Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and between nations. This initiative advocates for inclusion across social, economic, and political spheres, embracing individuals regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status.
Business events can facilitate meaningful progress towards this goal by establishing global platforms that elevate marginalized voices, ensure accessibility, and generate enduring, inclusive legacies that benefit underserved communities. BestCities Global Alliance and its partner cities are committed to leveraging international events as catalysts for inclusive development and expanded opportunity.
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Bridging divides: the path to equitable participation
As the UN states, incomes of the poorest 40 percent of the population have generally grown faster than the national average in many countries, while financial transfers during the COVID-19 pandemic further boosted shared prosperity. Despite this progress, the gap in per capita income growth between the poorest and richest countries has widened over the past five years. Discrimination remains a significant challenge, affecting one in six people worldwide, with women and people with disabilities bearing a disproportionate burden. Furthermore, many people are unable to fully participate in international meetings due to persistent high costs, accessibility barriers, and underrepresentation.
By intentionally designing business events with equity in mind, we can help bridge these divides, ensuring a more inclusive global dialogue and tangible change.
Inclusive events: how conferences can contribute to SDG Goal 10
Event organisers can take the first step towards inclusivity through several easy strategies.
Inclusive event design requires thoughtful integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles throughout every event component. For example, venues must be thoroughly evaluated to accommodate people with all ability levels, while scheduling should respectfully consider major religious observances. Additionally, elements like décor and music require careful selection to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all participants, including those with sensory sensitivities.
Accessible programming can make a significant difference, whether offering content in different languages, creating universally accessible event spaces, or developing guidelines to facilitate participation for people of all abilities (a good resource is Listen Include Respect, which outlines international guidelines for inclusive participation). Organisers should also focus on diverse representation throughout the conference, such as inviting underrepresented groups to take part in community sessions.
Economic inclusion gives back to host communities by hiring local businesses for event execution, prioritising small businesses, and ensuring equitable supply chain access.
Finally, community engagement and legacy programs ensure the host community benefits directly from the conference. This might include public days offering free educational or social supports, outreach to marginalized communities, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that improve the lives of community members.
By integrating these approaches during planning stages, conferences can democratize knowledge, strengthen participation, and increase global visibility for underrepresented voices.
Equity through collective action: how BestCities is advancing SDG 10
BestCities employs multiple strategies to promote equitable and accessible conferences. As an advocate for legacy planning, the organisation prioritises community engagement and accessible programming. Its commissioned study, detailed in the report “Advancing Event Legacies through Impact Measurement”, distinguishes between outcomes and legacy while offering recommendations for destinations and associations to establish effective legacy measurement frameworks.
Annually, BestCities reviews partner cities’ progress on their sustainability and inclusion goals. Known as the “BestCities Commitment to a Sustainable Future”, the program evaluates each destination’s progress against the alliance’s collective commitments, with a goal of raising standards across the meetings industry. These commitments encompass sustainability and legacy achievements, development of meaningful client relationships, and collaborative knowledge-sharing toward collective objectives.
Knowledge-sharing is another crucial element of BestCities’ approach, with exchanges between partner cities and international associations designed to scale inclusive strategies. The Incredible Impacts Programme exemplifies this effort by highlighting innovation and creativity within the industry. Beyond rewarding associations that demonstrate excellence in equity advocacy, the programme inspires others to incorporate legacy initiatives into their events.
The International Hip Preservation Society (ISHA) illustrates this impact – its 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting earned the 2024 Incredible Impacts Award for advancing hip preservation surgery awareness in Africa. By identifying and training orthopedic surgeons in various communities, the event created a legacy of skills development to empower healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes across the continent.
Another example is the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), which won the 2023 Incredible Impacts Award for its inaugural Women’s Empowerment Summit. Hosted in Khovd Province, Mongolia, the event brought together more than 300 women survivors of domestic violence, emboldening rural women who often go unheard in legislation.
A platform for underrepresented communities: how BestCities partner destinations advance SDG 10
BestCities’ partner destinations actively contribute to advancing SDG 10 through a variety of strategically planned business events:
Copenhagen
- The Copenhagen Sprint, which happened June 21, 2025, invited participants with disabilities and their support networks to test out a selection of adaptive bikes. Beyond equipment trials, the event provides inspiration from inclusive cycling communities while connecting the community with Denmark’s elite para-athletes, including Paralympic gold medalist Emma Lund.
- The ECTRIMS Annual Congress 2024 Patient Day, hosted by the European Committee for Treatment and Research of Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) and Wonderful Copenhagen, offered free education and expert access to MS patients and their support networks. Over 300 people attended these educational sessions, which translated complex technical information into accessible language for everyone.
Melbourne
- For the first time, the Oceanic Pacific region will host Women Deliver 2026, bringing the conference to Melbourne April 27-30, 2026. Since 2007, this influential platform has united more than 30,000 advocates, experts, and decision-makers, driving significant progress in gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The 2026 conference will attract over 6,500 people from over 170 countries, with a focus on feminist, anti-colonial principles and programs that ensure adolescent girls, women, and gender-diverse young advocates lead and shape the agenda.
Washington DC
- The industry whitepaper “Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Destination DC’s DEI Business Fellowship by Destination DC (DDC)” highlights an innovative program launched in 2021: the DEI Business Fellowship. The initiative supports small businesses in the travel and tourism industry owned by individuals from underrepresented communities. Specifically, the fellowship provides resources to small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees and annual revenues under $6 million, that are owned by people from racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, women, or persons with disabilities.
Creating Space for Every Voice: The Global Legacy of the WDSC
The World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC), which brings together families, professionals, and self-advocates of Down syndrome, exemplifies the type of international meeting that advances SDG 10. Each congress serves as a powerful platform for empowering self-advocacy and promoting human rights. The WDSC has created a profound legacy as it travelled across BestCities partner destinations: from Singapore (2004) to Vancouver (2006), then to Dublin (2009), Cape Town (2012), and Dubai (2021 – online). In each host city, the congress sparked conversations, fostered valuable networks, and inspired local communities to embrace inclusion and champion the rights of people with Down syndrome.
Events as equalizers: increasing equity one conference at a time.
When thoughtfully designed, business events can be a key channel for reducing global inequalities. BestCities and its partner destinations advance SDG 10 by establishing global standards in legacy, accessibility, and inclusion through strategic conference hosting, robust internal standards, and targeted external initiatives. The examples highlighted demonstrate how well-executed events drive both structural and social equity, ensuring diverse voices are amplified and underserved communities receive meaningful support and representation.
Related posts:
Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Advancing Education through Business Events: BestCities’ Commitment to SDG Goal 4
Championing Gender Equality through Business Events: BestCities’ Approach to UN SDG Goal 5
Advancing Clean, Affordable Energy through Business Events: BestCities’ Commitment to SDG Goal 7