MELBOURNE: A major government initiative aims to integrate social inclusion into its national innovation strategy.

The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) convened a workshop yesterday to drive gender equality, disability inclusion and HIV/AIDS awareness across the industrial sector, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainable development.

MISTI’s Gender Working Group Secretary of State and head Lay Navin said promoting these social pillars was essential for building a productive, knowledge-based economy.

“Empowering women, promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities and protecting workers’ health are vital investments in the country’s economic and social progress,” Lay said.

The ministry has implemented its 2023–2028 Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Action Plan to ensure inclusive growth as the Kingdom transitions toward an innovation-driven economy.

Lay also said that cultivating workplaces free from discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS was a priority, noting that safeguarding employee health and dignity is critical for building resilient institutions and higher productivity.

The workshop gathered MISTI officials and departmental representatives to accelerate the roll-out of the GEDSI plan, encouraging collaborative efforts to embed inclusivity into the core of the Ministry’s industrial and scientific policies.