GSMA brings #ChangeTheFace Alliance into diversity push

GSMA has integrated the #ChangeTheFace Alliance into its Connectivity for Good programme, adding the diversity and inclusion initiative to its portfolio of global efforts.

The move places the Alliance's administration with GSMA, while the group continues to operate as a member-led alliance. An independent board will retain governance and strategic direction, according to the organisations.

#ChangeTheFace began as a Vodafone-led movement in 2020 and shifted into an alliance model in 2021. Its members include Colt, ITU, Nokia and UN Women, alongside Vodafone and a range of consultancy firms, NGOs and industry bodies.

Programmeme scope

GSMA said the Alliance will sit under Connectivity for Good, a banner that also covers other work across the mobile ecosystem. The organisations said the integration aligns the Alliance with GSMA's wider diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The Alliance has focused on industry collaboration and the sharing of approaches through an open-source portal. It has also produced research and conducted advocacy work at international events.

One of its best-known outputs is the 2023 Neurodiversity in Tech Report. The Alliance described it as the largest workplace study of its kind into neurodiversity in the technology sector.

The group has also been present at global forums, including the UN General Assembly, the World Economic Forum, and Mobile World Congress. The Alliance received the GLOMO Award for Diversity in Tech at MWC Barcelona 2022.

Industry positioning

GSMA represents the mobile connectivity industry and its wider ecosystem. It runs Mobile World Congress events and the M360 series, which convene operators, vendors, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Under the new arrangement, GSMA will share progress and outcomes from the Alliance's work at its flagship events, including MWC Barcelona and the M360 series. The organisations also said the alliance intends to expand participation globally across the technology sector and launch new initiatives.

The integration also formalises a relationship between a diversity initiative with cross-sector membership and a trade body with a large convening role across the mobile industry. The parties said they share an aim of increasing representation across technology and telecoms.

"The #ChangetheFace Alliance has already demonstrated the power of collective action to challenge stereotypes and drive inclusion in the tech sector. We are honoured to build on this foundation, working with our partners to expand the Alliance's work and ensure that our industry represents the rich diversity of the communities it connects, and the people it serves. Building diversity is not only the right thing to do; it is essential for innovation, growth and trust in our digital age," said Lara Dewar, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA.

Leadership transition

GSMA also referenced the role of Serpil Timuray, Founding Chair of the #ChangeTheFace Alliance. Dewar praised her contribution to the group's development.

"Serpil's vision and leadership have been central to establishing the Alliance as a catalyst for industry change," said Dewar. "We are proud to continue this important work and thank Serpil for inspiring our sector to act with ambition and purpose."

Timuray said the group formed around a shared approach for the sector. She also framed GSMA as the next host organisation for the alliance's work.

"The #ChangeTheFace Alliance was created to unite the global industry behind a shared mission to make the technology sector more inclusive for customers and employees. I am proud of how far we have come and deeply grateful to all our members for their invaluable commitment, collaboration, and impact. The GSMA is the perfect home for the Alliance's next chapter, with its shared purpose and global platform to further scale our impact. I am excited for this new growth phase for the #ChangeTheFace Alliance and thank the GSMA for enabling this tremendous opportunity to enhance collaboration and drive lasting change across the global technology sector," said Serpil Timuray, Founding Chair, #ChangeTheFace Alliance.

GSMA said the integrated programme will continue to work with existing members and will set out new initiatives through its event calendar, including Mobile World Congress and the M360 series.