Inclusion 'promotes economic growth'

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.

She referred to research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which indicates more inclusive societies tend to be more stable and better governed, while also attracting stronger foreign direct investment and achieving improved long-term economic performance.

"Inclusion ensures every member of society feels respected, belongs and is able to contribute fully," she said, adding that Australia has embedded inclusion across legislation, public health systems and foreign policy frameworks.

She highlighted Australia's workplace anti-discrimination laws, marriage equality legislation and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals across all six states and two territories as part of its approach.

Beyond domestic policy, she pointed to the Equality Collaboration Fund, a AU$20.6 million (about 474 million baht) initiative supporting civil society organisations across Asia and the Pacific, as an example of Australia's international engagement on inclusion.

Ms Davidson said inclusion is also increasingly embedded in Australia's national identity and governance, reinforcing both social cohesion and economic resilience.

While inclusion is associated with stronger economic outcomes, exclusion carries significant measurable costs, according to Numan Afifi, Programme and Advocacy Lead at APCOM Foundation.

Drawing on World Bank research, he said discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals can negatively affect economic performance through reduced productivity, increased poverty levels and higher public health expenditure.

He cited estimates suggesting that exclusion of LGBTQ+ people could cost some countries between 0.1% and 1.7% of gross domestic product, depending on the scale of discrimination and labour market barriers.

"No nation wants any of its citizens left behind," he said, adding economies perform better when all individuals are able to participate fully in the workforce and contribute to development.

He noted that highly skilled professionals are more likely to relocate to countries where they can live openly and safely, while businesses that fail to create inclusive environments risk losing talent to competitors.

Mr Numan said inclusion must go beyond symbolic gestures. Workplace culture is defined by action rather than intention. He said organisations must implement clear policies and practices to ensure equality is embedded in day-to-day operations.

"Culture doesn't exist in the mind. It exists through action," he said, adding that meaningful inclusion requires consistent implementation within workplaces.

The discussion also examined regional developments, noting shifting attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights in parts of Asia-Pacific. Participants highlighted Thailand's marriage equality law as a domestic milestone, alongside a recent ruling by Nepal's Supreme Court supporting recognition of same-sex marriage rights.

These developments reflect gradual progress in parts of the region, although disparities remain. In several countries, same-sex relationships remain criminalised and LGBTQ+ communities continue to face discrimination, stigma and limited legal protection.

Mr Numan warned that human rights conditions in one country can have wider implications beyond its borders, particularly in an interconnected global economy.

He encouraged governments to make greater use of international mechanisms such as the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process and Asean human rights frameworks to address concerns collectively. He acknowledged, however, the effectiveness of such mechanisms depends on political will and cooperation among member states.

The role of multinational corporations was also highlighted as important in advancing inclusion. Mr Numan urged companies to maintain inclusive workplace policies even when operating in jurisdictions where LGBTQ+ identities remain stigmatised or criminalised.

Rather than lowering standards to match local constraints, he said businesses should use their influence to promote equality and protect employee rights. "My advice is don't be afraid to apply all these inclusive policies in your workplace because business and human rights go hand in hand," he said.