At the Event Greening Forum (EGF), we believe that sustainability includes both the planet and the people that inhabit it. April is Diversity Month, and in the events industry, that means taking deliberate action to build a more inclusive, equitable sector. Reduced inequalities, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), requires that the events industry looks closely at who is included, who benefits, and how we build a future that serves more people, more fairly.
SDG 10 sets out clear, actionable targets. Among them:
- 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
- 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic status.
- 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome by eliminating discriminatory practices and promoting appropriate policies.
- 10.4: Adopt fiscal, wage and social protection policies that progressively achieve greater equality.
Each of these targets has direct relevance to how we plan, manage, and deliver events.
Procurement: Source from local suppliers
Events often default to imported products and international service providers, bypassing local suppliers who are capable, available, and invested in their communities. In Southern Africa (SADC) – where the unemployment rate was 27.24% in 2024 – supporting local businesses is a direct way to drive economic equity and respond to Target 10.1.
Local procurement keeps money circulating within communities, strengthens small enterprises, and supports job creation. Critically, it also helps to develop a resilient supply chain that meets global standards in both service delivery and sustainability.
The Green Database, curated by the Event Greening Forum (EGF), enables event professionals to find African-based, sustainability-aligned suppliers across multiple categories.
Ensuring equal opportunity for everyone
The EGF’s Future Roots 2025 initiative gives school learners hands-on exposure to sustainability through immersive educational experiences that prepare young people to participate in the events sector with a future-facing mindset – speaking directly to Target 10.2.
Progress also means advancing gender inclusion. The Women in MICE Awards, now in its eighth year, is a vital platform for recognising women who are driving innovation, leadership, and sustainability in the MICE space – supporting both Targets 10.2 and 10.3. Smith and EGF Chairperson John Arvanitakis will be part of the 2025 Women in MICE Awards judging panel.
Closing the knowledge gap
The EGF’s Education and Training Committee is addressing another form of inequality: the skills divide. With a fast-evolving global shift toward sustainable practices, event professionals in Africa must be equipped to compete with local and international standards. This supports Target 10.3 by ensuring equal opportunity and reducing outcome disparities.
Through workshops and digital resources, the committee is helping practitioners adopt sustainable models that are both locally relevant and globally competitive.
To ensure the information shared is always accurate, inclusive, and up to date, the EGF works closely with national and international organisations – including the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) and the International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA), and collaborate locally with associations such as the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA), the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), the Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA), the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, Africa Chapter (SITE Africa), and the Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Alliance Network.
Our partnerships with government stakeholders – such as the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) – further ensure that local event professionals have access to the latest industry standards and sustainability frameworks.
A more equitable industry starts with you
Reducing inequalities requires intention, tools, and action. Whether it’s shifting procurement toward local suppliers, investing in future talent, empowering underrepresented voices, creating accessible education pathways, or collaborating with industry leaders, the decisions we make today will determine the inclusivity of our industry tomorrow.
Through its partnerships, platforms, and programmes, the EGF is creating an ecosystem where all stakeholders (regardless of background) can participate and succeed.
In the words of 2nd Vice Chairperson Angelique Smith: “Change requires action, not just conversation. More than that, it requires education and collaboration – bringing people along on the journey so that sustainability becomes second nature, not just an aspiration.”