Successful Employee Advocacy Initiatives: Experiences in the UN and Ministries of Foreign Affaires

The fireside chat will focus on the UN Disability Inclusion Network (DIN) and the League Rijk of Extraordinary People from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both networks are driven by dedicated and motivated personnel and have made significant achievements. While they share many similarities, they also differ in their structure and operational approach.

In this 15-minute exchange, Christof Ephraim and Sotirios Markopoulos will explore these aspects, with a particular emphasis on DIN, drawing comparisons with the League where relevant. By discussing its establishment, development, and future outlook, the session will provide insights into how similar networks can be created within other organizations.

DIN is led by international civil servants working in UN-affiliated international organizations, primarily based at the Vienna International Centre (VIC)—one of the four UN headquarters. Originally founded as a peer-support network, it has evolved into a recognized stakeholder, actively engaging with the main Vienna-based organizations to advocate for personnel affected by disabilities, both directly and indirectly.

[Alt text: Zero Project Conference 2025 banner. A green and white design featuring a digital globe with network lines on the left and the Zero Project logo with green leaves on the right]

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.beLfruPOvcp4?si=VA6n3sAUU1pWjrg