Lisa Davidson, Acting Counsellor (Economic) and Pride Champion at the Australian Embassy, left, and Numan Afifi, Programme and Advocacy Lead at the APCOM Foundation, right, take part in a panel discussion on 'Beyond Pride: Inclusion as a Driver of Economic and Social Progress' on Friday evening. Nutthawat Wicheanbut
Inclusion is being recognised as a driver of economic growth, investment and competitiveness, with speakers at a forum highlighting its role in strengthening productivity and long-term national development.The issue was discussed at the Bangkok Post Pride Dialogue 2026: Where Diversity, Culture and Economy Meet, co-organised by the Bangkok Post and the Australian Embassy in Bangkok at Emsphere on Friday.
The event brought together diplomats, business leaders and advocates to examine how diversity and inclusion policies influence economic outcomes and corporate performance.
Speaking on the topic of "Beyond Pride: Inclusion as a Driver of Economic and Social Progress", Lisa Davidson, Acting Counsellor (Economic) and Pride Champion at the Australian Embassy, said governments are viewing inclusion not only as a matter of rights but also as an economic strategy with measurable benefits.
