Economic Diplomacy | International Cooperation | Responsible Investment

GENDER EQUALITY PLAN (GEP) 2026 - 2030

Document Reference: SBC-GOV-004
Status: Approved
Effective Date: 1 July 2026
Review Cycle: Annual
Document Owner: Office of the President
1. Purpose
The Saudi Business Council (SBC) is an independent, non-profit association legally registered in Spain. SBC is committed to promoting equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion, and respectful participation across all of its activities, programmes, governance structures, and international partnerships.
This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) establishes the Council's institutional framework for integrating gender equality principles into governance, organisational culture, recruitment, programme delivery, research collaboration, education initiatives, and international cooperation.
The Plan has been developed in alignment with the objectives of the European Union's Horizon Europe programme while reflecting SBC's mission to strengthen international cooperation in support of Saudi Vision 2030.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:

  • Board Members
  • President and Vice-President
  • Secretariat
  • Employees
  • Volunteers
  • Advisors
  • Researchers
  • Experts
  • Programme participants
  • International delegations
  • Partner organisations participating in SBC programmes where applicable

3. Guiding Principles
SBC is committed to:

  • Equal opportunity
  • Merit-based appointments
  • Fair recruitment practices
  • Respect for diversity
  • Inclusive participation
  • Equal access to education and professional development
  • Zero tolerance towards discrimination, harassment, bullying or retaliation
  • Respect for cultural diversity and international cooperation

4. Governance
Overall responsibility for implementation rests with the President of the Saudi Business Council.
The President shall designate a Gender Equality Coordinator responsible for:

  • monitoring implementation
  • preparing annual reports
  • coordinating awareness activities
  • supporting continuous improvement
  • reviewing this policy annually

5. Strategic Objectives (2026–2030)
SBC commits to the following objectives:
Objective 1 — Inclusive Leadership
Promote balanced participation in governance, advisory committees, expert groups, and international programmes through transparent and merit-based selection processes.
Objective 2 — Equal Opportunity
Ensure recruitment, appointments, volunteer engagement, and programme participation are based on competence, experience, integrity, and equal opportunity.
Objective 3 — Education and Knowledge Exchange
Promote equal participation within:

  • Saudi Global Studies & Cultural Diplomacy Initiative (SGSCDI)
  • SBC Next Generation
  • International education partnerships
  • Research cooperation
  • Conferences
  • Scholarships
  • Academic exchanges

Objective 4 — International Cooperation
Encourage inclusive participation in:

  • international delegations
  • institutional partnerships
  • conferences
  • trade missions
  • sustainable development initiatives
  • research collaboration

Objective 5 — Safe and Respectful Environment
Maintain a professional environment free from:

  • discrimination
  • harassment
  • sexual harassment
  • bullying
  • intimidation
  • retaliation

Confidential reporting procedures shall be maintained.
6. Work-Life Balance
SBC supports flexible working arrangements where operationally appropriate, including:

  • hybrid participation
  • remote collaboration
  • flexible scheduling
  • equal access to professional development

7. Recruitment and Career Development
Recruitment decisions shall be based on:

  • competence
  • qualifications
  • experience
  • integrity
  • organisational needs

Gender shall not be used as a criterion for recruitment, promotion, or participation unless required by applicable law.
8. Training and Awareness
SBC shall promote awareness on:

  • equality
  • diversity
  • inclusion
  • respectful workplace behaviour
  • prevention of harassment
  • intercultural communication

Training may be delivered through workshops, online learning, conferences, and institutional guidance.
9. Monitoring and Reporting
The Council shall monitor implementation through appropriate indicators, including:

  • participation in leadership
  • participation in programmes
  • representation at conferences
  • training activities
  • complaints received
  • corrective actions implemented

Progress shall be reviewed annually.
10. Communication and Transparency
This Gender Equality Plan shall be:

  • publicly available on the SBC website
  • reviewed annually
  • updated when necessary
  • communicated to staff, volunteers, and programme partners

11. Resources
The Saudi Business Council commits appropriate administrative and organisational resources necessary to implement this Plan in a manner proportionate to the Council's size, activities, and available capacity.
12. Alignment
This Plan supports the principles of:

  • Saudi Vision 2030
  • European Union values relating to equality and non-discrimination
  • Horizon Europe Gender Equality Plan eligibility principles
  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

This Plan does not alter the legal status or institutional independence of the Saudi Business Council.
13. Review
This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Office of the President and updated where necessary to reflect organisational development, applicable legal requirements, and international best practices.
14. Approval
Approved by: Kira Negron / President / Saudi Business Council
Approval Date: 9 July 2026
Review Date: July 2027




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