Signatory Event and the DCS Awards 2026 – The year’s premier gathering for diversity and inclusion
Signatory Event and the DCS Awards 2026 – The year’s premier gathering for diversity and inclusion
An afternoon of new insights, inspiration and experience sharing.
On 29 September, we welcome all members to Stockholm for Signatory Event 2026 - a festive afternoon where we welcome new members, share wise experiences and load up with inspiring speakers. This year's theme is ”Being a Given Person”, read more below. Signatory Event is also the place for the award ceremony of our award DCS Award - You won't want to miss it!
On stage
We will be adding speakers and other participants as and when they are confirmed.
Arba Kokalari – Member of the European Parliament (M)
Arba Kokalari is a Swedish Member of the European Parliament and chief negotiator on the European Parliament’s Committee on Gender Equality, working on new policies on AI and gender equality. With experience in both politics and the business sector, she offers a contemporary European perspective on how artificial intelligence can contribute to greater gender equality.
Charbel Gabro - award-winning speaker and social entrepreneur
Charbel Gabro is an acclaimed social entrepreneur and was named Speaker of the Year 2019 and 2024. He is currently publishing the book Refugee care and touches audiences with powerful stories of hope, courage and belief in the future. Through his genuine drive to be giving and his work to build bridges between worlds, he inspires people to grow, find their way and believe in their own potential.
Florian Tirnovan – comedian, CEO and founder of TeckenKlar
”Through humour and relatable moments, I want to show how small things can make a big difference when interacting with deaf people. The aim is to help the audience understand that we deaf people don’t bite, that we’re actually quite easy to communicate with, and that inclusion is about more than just fine words.”. Florian Tirnovan is an award-winning comedian who reaches an international audience with his visual and interactive humour. He breaks down barriers between deaf and hearing people and makes inclusion both clear and entertaining.
Ida Höckerstrand and Sofie Hallberg – The Anxiety Podcast
Ida Höckerstrand and Sofie Hallberg Since 2015, they have been running Ångestpodden, Sweden’s largest podcast on anxiety, mental health and life’s challenges. They give frequent talks across Sweden to school pupils, universities, local authorities, business owners and government bodies. Drawing on personal experiences, humour and practical advice, they discuss how we can recognise and support someone who is struggling, why openness reduces stigma, and what workplaces can do to encourage more people to speak out and feel valued.
Panel discussion with Caroline Frumerie, Head of People & Culture at Tieto, and Peter Mellin, Managing Director of Sodexo Sweden
How do we create workplaces where every employee feels seen, valued and an integral part of the organisation? In a short panel discussion, Caroline Frumerie, Head of People & Culture at Tieto, and Peter Mellin, CEO of Sodexo Sweden, come together. Drawing on their perspectives within HR and business leadership, they discuss how an inclusive culture enhances people’s ability to perform, develop and contribute – and how this, in turn, leads to better results and increased profitability.
Petra Karmteg - Chair of Diversity Charter Sweden
Petra will be presenting the DCS Awards this afternoon.
Mats Johard – Head of Markets, Sweden, Tieto Tech Consulting
Mats will be presenting the DCS Awards this afternoon.
Moderator: Susanne Grossauer, Head of Global Employer Brand, Tieto
Program
- 14:15-15:00 Registration and mingle coffee.
- 15:00-17:00 Live broadcast:
- Inspirational speakers
- Award ceremony for Diversity Charter Sweden Awards 2026
- Welcome ceremony for new members
This year's theme - Being a given
What does it take to make everyone feel like a given, a given person, in the labour market? At a time when skills shortages and the pace of change characterise the world of work, we cannot afford to let potential go to waste. Yet we know that far from everyone is given the same opportunities to be seen, heard and chosen. Being “given” is not about the individual's drive to take up space, but also about structures, norms and leadership.
What can employers do? What can we do as individuals? Welcome to an engaging Signatory Event where we explore shared responsibility together.
Cost
- Free of charge for members
- This year, non-members can participate free of charge online but not in person.