Date: September 11, 2025
Time: 08.30 – 11.00
Venue: KPMG Meijburg & Co
Laan van Langerhuize 9
1186 DS Amstelveen
Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Can Europe Lead the Way in Diversity and Inclusion?
On Thursday September 11, 2025 we hosted a sold out Diversity and Tech Breakfast together with Swedish Chamber Patron Member KPMG Meijburg & Co. The topic was as follows: “As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) face growing resistance globally, could this be Europe’s moment to lead by example? For the European tech sector, DEI is more than a moral imperative—it is a strategic advantage. Companies that embrace diverse talent and foster inclusive cultures consistently drive stronger innovation, outperform their competitors, and achieve higher financial returns”.
Welcome by Marlies Baijer, Partner KPMG Meijburg & Co, opening remarks by Yves Nys, Global Well-Being, Diversity, Inclusion Manager at SKF Group and introduction by Moderator Gabriele Hamm Adler, People and Business Developer at GHA Development.
Joerie Nijhuis, Co-founder of IT’S UP TO YOU
Presentation on simulation-based learning for organisational change
- Message: “It’s not enough to talk about inclusion – you have to act it out”
- Developed interactive simulations where employees/students face scenarios around bullying and harassment.”School bullies and bullies in an organisation have the same triggers. You can solve it with the same solution: engage in dialogue and decide which values to adhere to”
- Goal: shift the silent majority to active defenders of values
- “Culture is about group norms”
Pernille Hagild, ED&I manager at Inter IKEA Group
Presentation on an inclusive IKEA
- IKEA, 23 years in ED&I ,has achieved a 50/50 management balance between men and women
- Iconic meatballs so every family member feels included. As a mirror to equality, you have to cater to all needs to reach ED&I goals. “Reflect the communities we serve”
- Inclusion means: accessible homes, supplier minimum wage standards and respecting local cultures
- “Diversity is a competence for growth”
Yves Nys, Global Well-Being, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager at SKF Group
Presentation on SKF’s global journey on DEI & wellbeing
- With a background in operations, he believes that the best teams are the most diverse
- SKF links sustainability + wellbeing + DEI = embedded in the code of conduct
- Before putting DEI in the code of conduct, did a risk assessment of political and economic risks
- “Less friction, more progress”
- SKF adapts wording of targets (gender-neutral) to stay compliant with US law, but will not walk back on values
- “It makes us a better company”
- “The values of Swedish companies…it’s a flag that I love to carry around the world”
Marlies Baijer, Partner KPMG Meijburg & Co
Presentation on diversity
- US restrictions on DEI programs -> many companies retreat
- Research proves diverse companies outperform peers
- DEI = key factor in M&A
- KPMG global continues DEI values despite the US withdrawal. “We act it instead of shouting from the rooftops”
- “Women in Control” program to empower female entrepreneurs. The goal of 50% women is reached.
- Local challenge: Dutch tax division not very diverse -> building inclusion through small-scale initiatives
- “Companies with more equitable diversity outperform their peers”
Leon Kanters, Partner KPMG Meijburg & Co
Presentation on navigating the new US tariffs
- Emphasised focusing on the 80% workforce, not just extremes
- Tariffs: US policies disrupt global supply chains, companies need traceability down to small components
- KPMG build a tariff modeller tool to help firms prepare
- “During COVID, companies didn’t know where all their components came from. Today, you must know – traceability is survival”
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce Diversity is generously hosted by:
ABOUT THE SWEDISH CHAMBER DIVERSITY & INCLUSION BREAKFASTS
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce, together with its Diversity & Inclusion Committee, aim to provide a series of Diversity & Inclusion Breakfasts to discuss strategies with a focus on new perspectives of D&I, share real cases and research, and support you with concrete tools to increase and develop D&I within your organisation. For more information about the Swedish Chamber of Commerce D&I Program and the D&I Committee, here or send an email to events@swedishchamber.nl
ABOUT THE SWEDISH CHAMBER TECH TABLES
Tech Tables is a platform for Swedish-Dutch tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to meet, learn, and discuss. At the Swedish Chamber Tech Tables, we aim to celebrate the latest advancements in technology and discuss the latest trends, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual reality. Click here to learn more about the Swedish Chamber Tech Tables series, or email events@swedishchamber.nl to hear more.
This Event is organised in collaboration with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Tech and Diversity & Inclusion Committees.
KPMG Meijburg Tax
Participation Fee
This event is offered free of charge, registration is, however, compulsory.
Registration details
Welcome to register by clicking below. For non members welcome to use the Guest button. Upcon registration you will receive a confirmation. Registration open until September 5, 2025.
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