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Diversity on Display at the Qatar Career Fair

Tracy Elwick — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:32:31 +0000

The annual Qatar Career Fair took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre from 1– 6 April 2013. Inaugurated under the Patronage of H.H. the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the event helped draw attention to the emirate’s ongoing commitment to diversity through continued student outreach and local education, all part of its National Vision 2030.

BNP Paribas was present at the fair to promote the BNP Paribas Career Centre MEA and the Bank’s recruitment initiatives. Students at the fair were given the opportunity to register for Career Centre training sessions, undertake one-to-one career support with an onsite career counselor, and participate in free online mind-games.

Since its inauguration in February 2011, the BNP Paribas Career Centre MEA has successfully impacted the career paths of over 1050 individuals by offering a range of learning and development training sessions and support services whilst fostering partnerships with governments, universities and other key NGOs in Qatar.

A Night at the Symphony for the Visually Impaired

Seon Ah Moon — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:43:51 +0000

On March 14, BNP Paribas Cardif Life Insurance Korea invited 25 students who are majoring in music at Hanbit, a school for the visually impaired, to a classical music concert, “Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Special Concert: Beethoven II” held at the Seoul Arts Center.

World-renowned conductor Myung-whun Chung, who is also the arts director for the Seoul Philharmonic, played a dual role of conductor and pianist. It was a great opportunity for the students to broaden their musical horizon and experience artistic spirit of such a renowned maestro.

Staff volunteers were there to accompany the students before, during and after the concert. The company also offered Myung-whun Chung’s album with the selection of his best performance to students as a souvenir.

“Company Spirit, Team Spirit”: A boost for female entrepreneurs

Lily Dionne — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:25:46 +0000

On 26 March, 100 women entrepreneurs gathered together to discuss the theme “Company Spirit, Team Spirit” (“Esprit d’entreprise, esprit d’accompagnement”). Held at the ultra-modern BNP Paribas Concept Store, the event saw a talented group of female business owners, managers and executives exchange their know-how and experience. The different ateliers were centered on four different themes: mentoring and support for women; marketing, communications and how to make your mark; international development and financing; and innovation as a springboard for company growth.

BNP Paribas joined forces with its partner, the Women Business Mentoring Initiative (WBMI), to make this event a reality for the second year in a row.

A non-profit organization launched in 2010, WBMI volunteers support and expertise to women entrepreneurs who have an existing company—three years old or more—and are looking to grow and develop. The organization was founded by Martine Liautaud, Honorary President of the Stanford Business Club, who was present at yesterday’s event.

Alongside with BNP Paribas, the WBMI started the Club des Entrepreneurs, a bi-monthly conference for female entrepreneurs, allowing them to meet, network, exchange and brainstorm. Just another idea-turned-reality to help boost the activity of women business owners and managers both in France and on the international scene!

“Respect and disrespect”: Sparking conversation about consideration

Krasimira Antimova — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:32:35 +0000

Do children know that they deserve respect, not because of their school grades or their origins, but simply because they are human beings? Do the adults around them distinguish “obedience” from “respect”? Is it possible to respect someone you do not know?

Thoughts and ideas in response to these questions can be found in the second book in the series “Philosophical Breakfasts” by Brigette Labbe and Michel Puech, called “Respect and Disrespect”.

This illustrated hardcover book is full of stories and colourful characters illustrating different points regarding everyday respect. Certain major questions, beyond the reach of a school curriculum, are also addressed.

In addition, the book raises the subject about self-respect as an important foundations for one’s own set of morals. Like all other books from the Philosophical Breakfasts series, “Respect and disrespect” serves as a ground for discussions in class, in order to spark dialogue between children both in and outside the classroom.

“Respect and Disrespect” is published in Bulgarian by Tochitsa Press with the financial support of Foundation BNP Paribas Bulgaria. The Foundation has also pledged that 100 books will be distributed, free of charge, to schools in Bulgaria.

Record engagement of young people in essay competition supporting diversity

Krasimira Antimova — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:09:44 +0000

A significantly increased number of youngster participated in the second edition of the essay competition “The Others Beside Me 2”. The writing contest attracted 191 young people – 8 times more than the first edition of the contest. High-school students from close to 70 cities from all over Bulgaria, 8th to 12th grade, wrote an essay on the theme “The Others beside Me”.

In line with BNP Paribas’ global commitment to fighting discrimination and promoting diversity, Foundation BNP Paribas Bulgaria launched in summer 2012 the second edition of the essay contest for high-school students called “The Others beside Me 2″. The aim of the project was to raise awareness for equality among people, to pay attention to the increasing need for understanding and openness toward all members of society.

Three best essays were selected among the received essays by renown jury members by mutual consent. At a special ceremony on 8th February 2013 in the city of Sofia, the winners received cash awards respectively 500 BGN for 1st place, 300 BGN for 2nd place and 100 BGN for 3rd place. In addition, two special in kind awards were given to youngsters deprived from parential care whose essays were among the nominated by the jury. The author of the idea of the project, Mrs. Blagovesta Kenarova, provided one special cash price in the amount of 100 BGN to a participant distinguished by her.

The Corporate Equality Index: A leap in the right direction

Erin Kehoe — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:02:38 +0000

With a perfect 100% rating in the 2013 Corporate Equality Index, compiled by the NGO Human Rights Campaign Foundation, BNP Paribas in the United States has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality”.

What is this Corporate Equality Index?

Created in 2002, it is today the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) employees. And the Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBT equality.

A total of 889 businesses were rated in the 2013 Corporate Equality Index, including the entire Fortune 500.

BNP Paribas has worked continuously on developing inclusive policies, procedures and benefits for every employee. To have received this recognition is a testament to the bank’s efforts!

BlogTV: Reconnecting with one’s Kabyle roots

Lily Dionne — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:31:38 +0000

The “Association Culture Berbère” is a neighborhood organization that works on making Kabyle language and culture accessible for anyone interested. It aims not only to diffuse knowledge and understanding of this rich cultural heritage, but also to encourage a community spirit and social integration.

Language courses, literary or musical conferences, legal guidance and mentoring…a grab-bag of activities and services, as diverse as the people who are a part of the association!

Association Culture Berbère is supported by the BNP Paribas Foundation’s Projet Banlieues programme.

Superhumans share their super stories during Diversity Week in the UK

Emma Oliver — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:50:19 +0000

From the 15-19 October 2012, BNP Paribas UK hosted its first-ever Diversity Week. Comprised of a number of educational events for all staff, it serves as an awareness-raising forum, bringing together discussion on gender, ability, sexual orientation, ethnic and religious background.

The schedule of events features a number of seminars and discussions…the first of which took place before the official start of the week, on 11 October. Two of Great Britain’s Paralypians, Martine Wright and Claire Cashmore, joined a group of 100 employees to share their experience of the London 2012 Games.

Martine, a sitting volleyball player, spoke of her excitement at taking part in her first Paralympics since getting into the sport only two and a half years earlier; and the roller-coaster of emotions she felt at being involved, having lost both her legs in the London 7/7 bombings in 2005, the day after London was awarded the 2012 Games. She told of the journey she’s been through since that fateful day and of how she has used sport to channel her natural drive and ambition.

Claire, a swimmer, shared with us her pride in competing in her third Paralympics and adding three new medals to her ever-growing tally of six. Claire, who was born missing her left forearm, brought a sense of mischievousness to the talk as she tried to convince the audience that she had lost her arm in a shark attack!

Conversation covered everything from what it was like in the athlete’s village and the intensity of their training schedules, to dealing with people’s differing attitudes to disability. It was both insightful and inspiring. Most telling was perhaps the feeling that their disabilities didn’t matter – what came across was that they are two very motivated and normal women, who have worked hard to get where they are and are committed to being the best they can be.

More updates on Diversity Week…coming soon!

The Office Training Incubator in Bahrain: developing skills for individuals with disabilities

Tracy Elwick — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:06:07 +0000

On the 1st of October 2012, BNP Paribas inaugurated the “BNP Paribas Office Training Incubator” under the patronage, and in the presence of, Her Excellency Dr. Fatema Al Baloushi, Bahrain’s Minister of Social Development. The event also included a keynote speech from Nejib Friji, Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Bahrain.

The Office Training Incubator is the first initiative of its kind in Bahrain. It will support 15 individuals with disability per year by providing them with 9 hours of study a week over the course of a full academic year. Through a curriculum of 8 modules delivered in both English and Arabic by the Bahrain Training Institute, students will learn a mix of theoretical and practical office skills. The curriculum will cover core skill such as Work Ethics, IT Skills, Business Communication, Time Management, Customer Relations, English, Secretarial Skills and Maths.

The ultimate goal: to provide access to solid training opportunities for disabled individuals, helping them widen their skill sets… and career possibilities. It is an initiative that both fulfills a key objective of the BNP Paribas MEA STARS Community Investment Program, and reinforces the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national principle: breaking social barriers, providing equal opportunities to people with disabilities.

The initiative has been made possible, and was fully equipped, through the generosity of BNP Paribas Bahrain staff members who collectively raised USD 50,000 to fund this project!