Football legend heads new diversity conference in Birmingham

International football star and anti-racist campaigner Lilian Thuram is one of several top speakers appearing at a new equalities summit in Birmingham next month.

The Diversity of Diversity Conference 2022 at the Austin Court events venue at 80 Cambridge Street in the city's Westside area on 17 May will discuss issues across three key areas: sport, the entertainment world and the public sector.

The conference has been organised by embraceEDI, the diversity professionals ' membership group, in partnership with Westside BID, Strathclyde University, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Equalities, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Professionals.

Mr Thuram played as a defender for various clubs including Parma, Juventus and Barcelona, as well as becoming the most capped player in the history of the France national team.

He takes a public position on issues related to equality, immigration, and racism and has authored four books, including the recent White Thinking: How Racial Bias Is Constructed and How to Move Beyond It.

Joining Mr Thuram as keynote speakers are Caz May, founder of HerGameToo, and Natalie Atkinson, a director of Fair Game and a member of HerGameToo, both organisations which campaign for the recognition and rights of women in football. Other speakers include:

• Jasper Carrot, the famous comedian and a former director of Birmingham City FC,
• Ola Labib, the UK 's first black, Muslim female comedian,
• Julie Tippins, the diversity lead for entertainments company DHP Family,
• Khalid Mahmood MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for EDI Professionals, and
• Gerald Manton, chair of Westside BID and a successful owner of building and real estate companies.

Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballer Association, is also scheduled to be attending, subject to confirmation.

Lorraine Olley, director of embraceEDI, said: “This new conference will underscore the importance of equalities, diversity and inclusivity by showcasing some excellent work being undertaken across sectors not traditionally recognised for such work.

“We are thrilled that Lilian Thuram, a former international footballer and founder of the Lilian Thuram Foundation for Education Against Racism has agreed to be one of our main speakers.

“The packed day of speakers and discussions is ideal for anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge around EDI and wishing to learn the latest good practice to support them and their organisation 's EDI journey.

“The event will particularly appeal to those working in the hospitality, entertainment and sports sectors, as well as those across the public sector such as local government and health services.

“Please note that spaces are limited, so booking early is highly recommended. ”

Tickets for the Diversity of Diversity Conference 2022 are available at £120 per person (plus VAT) and can be purchased by emailing [email protected].

Lunch and refreshments throughout the day are included. The day runs from 9am to 5pm and NCP car parking is available close to the venue.