SHRM Addresses United Nations Global Business Town Hall

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Emily M. Dickens, chief of staff and head of government affairs at SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management), delivered the keynote address during today's United Nations (UN) General Assembly Global Town Hall titled "A Business Agenda for Action: A Human-Centric Approach."

Speaking on behalf of SHRM's 300,000-plus members in 165 countries, Dickens focused on priorities outlined in the UN report "Our Common Agenda," which seeks to foster a human-centric recovery for the global workforce in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The report mentions that we truly are at an inflection point in history," Dickens told the virtual audience of business leaders and UN officials. "I submit to you today that this inflection point touches no other place like it does the workplace—the location where people spend the majority of their time, the mechanism that allows people to take care of themselves and their families, the incubator for innovation that impacts how well we live. This common agenda presents an opportunity for organizations to rethink, reconsider, reimagine, and reset their workplace culture. No matter the size, all business leaders around the world are making decisions that will determine whether their organizations will breakdown or break through."

Dickens said organizations must focus on creating cultures that provide the best opportunity for all, so no one is left behind during future crises. She also spoke about the importance of placing women and girls at the center of workforce development and building trust between employers and employees to build resilient workplaces.

SHRM, in partnership with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), also participated in the recent UN High-Level Political Forum on the critical role of business in the multilateral system, workforce development, health and wellness, and human rights.

In addition to Dickens, today's town hall featured newly elected International Labour Organization Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, IOE Secretary-General Roberto Suarez Santos, USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson and other leaders from the global business community and higher education. 

About SHRM

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today's evolving workplaces. More than 95% of Fortune 500 companies rely on SHRM to be their go-to resource for all things work and their business partner in creating next-generation workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org and on Twitter @SHRM.