In 2020, it was estimated that companies worldwide spent $7.5 billion on DEI-related efforts, a figure that is projected to more than double to $15.4 billion by 2026.1 Although the state of DEI efforts varies by company, industry and geography, a growing number of management teams have recognized the importance and urgency of leading conversations within their organizations and taking action to drive progress.

Yet at the current rate it will take another 151 years to close the global economic gender gap at all levels.2 Data is still too sparse to systematically estimate global gaps for racial equity and LGBTQIA+ and disability inclusion, which presents a challenge in itself. In order to bring about faster change, there is a need for greater clarity on what works – and what does not.

The Global Parity Alliance (GPA) – a cross-industry group committed to advancing DEI around the world – launched the DEI Lighthouse Programme to identify initiatives that have resulted in significant, quantifiable, scalable and sustainable impact, and uncover what those initiatives have in common.

The ambition is to equip leaders with these insights,and contribute to faster impact across the global business community.

This report lays out the five success factors that emerged from the Lighthouse Programme and shares eight case studies of initiatives that were selected by an independent expert panel to become the first cohort of Global Parity Alliance DEI Lighthouses. It further highlights effective design and implementation approaches from seven additional initiatives.

The five success factors, common across the initiatives, that yielded the most impact for underrepresented groups are: (1) a nuanced understanding of the root causes; (2) a meaningful definition of success; (3) accountable and invested business leaders; (4) a solution designed for its specific context; and (5) rigorous tracking and course correction.

The Lighthouse Programme is an annual effort to collect, synthesize and share insights on what drives impact on DEI in the workplace and beyond.

Organizations that have implemented an initiative that has achieved significant impact are invited to submit it for review as part of the upcoming 2023/2024 DEI Lighthouse Programme.