Embassy Model Summit 3: Advancing SOGIESC inclusion across the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region

The Embassy Model Summit 3, a transformative event focused on advancing SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) inclusion, will take place in London on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, at the headquarters of Pearson Education. This final instalment of the pioneering series will focus on intersectionality and provide actionable strategies for driving meaningful change within organisations and communities across the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region.

Building on the success of Summit 1 in May 2023 and Summit 2 in November 2023, the third summit in the series will offer practical solutions to advance SOGIESC inclusion in the SWANA region. The series has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Pearson, whose ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been integral to facilitating these critical conversations and tangible outcomes.

"I'm thrilled to be part of this whole series and see this culminating in the most exciting session yet with incredible renowned pillars of human rights and EDI all present to discuss real impactful ways to make a difference for people in regions that criminalise/persecute based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics,” said Kamran Khan, Co-Founder of the Embassy Model Summit. “This is one not to miss out on, and I look forward to seeing you there."

Laila El-Metoui, Co-Founder of the Embassy Model Summit added: "I am incredibly excited for this final summit, which will shine a much-needed spotlight on experts with lived experience in supporting individuals within the region. While Dr. Nas joined us virtually from the United States at the inaugural summit, we are thrilled to welcome him in person for this event. This summit is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to raise awareness and address the unique challenges faced by people in the SWANA region."

The summit will feature an exceptional line-up of speakers, including Rasha Younes, Interim Director at Human Rights Watch, Dr. Nas Mohamed, Founder of the Alwan Foundation, Hasan Kilani, a Diversity and Inclusion Expert, and Rahim Al Habachi HIV Activist and Advocate.

The programme will cover a range of vital topics, from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in SWANA to strategies for embedding SOGIESC inclusion in regional contexts. It will also provide ample networking opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations with key figures in the field of LGBTIQA+ rights and inclusion.

Programme highlights:

• Welcome and Opening: Registration and networking, with a welcome address from Kevin Lyons, Senior HR Manager at Pearson, followed by opening remarks from Kamran Khan and Laila El-Metoui, Co-Founders of the Embassy Model Summit.
• Keynote Presentation: Delivered by Rasha Younes, Interim Director at Human Rights Watch, on the intersection of corporate social responsibility and human rights in the SWANA region.
• Region update: Dr. Nas Mohamed will present the Annual Human Rights Report for LGBTQ+ communities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
• Interactive workshop: Led by Hasan Kilani, this session will focus on adapting global inclusion frameworks to the unique nuances of SWANA, offering actionable strategies for region-specific inclusion efforts.
• Panel discussion: A thought-provoking discussion moderated by Laila El-Metoui, featuring Rahim Al Habachi, Hasan Kilani, Dr. Nas Mohamed, and Rasha Younes, addressing the complexities of fostering inclusive environments in the SWANA region.

Why attend?
Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the legal, cultural, and societal challenges to SOGIESC inclusion in SWANA. They will leave equipped with globally adaptable strategies and practical tools for creating inclusive spaces while respecting regional contexts. Additionally, the summit will provide an excellent opportunity for networking with industry leaders, human rights advocates, diversity professionals, and corporate leaders who are committed to social impact.

Special offers:
Tickets for the event range from £125 to £399, with discounted rates available for third-sector organisations. Additionally, a limited number of early bird tickets are available, offering a reduced price for those who register early. Secure your spot today to take advantage of these offers.

Venue accessibility:
The event venue at Pearson Education is fully accessible, including wheelchair-accessible entrances and facilities, and convenient transport links via Charing Cross and Embankment stations.

Event details:

• Date: Wednesday, 19 March 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Pearson Education, 80 Strand, London, WC2R 0RL
• Tickets: £125 – £399
  (Available at https://www.outsavvy.com/event/24187/embassy-model-summit-3 )

With only 25 places available, this exclusive summit offers a final opportunity to engage with a movement that is redefining diversity and inclusion in the SWANA region. Secure your spot today and be part of a transformative dialogue that is shaping the future of SOGIESC inclusion.