In May 2022 the SCAR EDI AG (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Group) was approved and started its work. The AG is tasked with broadly looking at how EDI issues can be effectively dealt with within SCAR and what practical actions are relevant for the organisation.
One of the major goals was the developement of an EDI Statement.
EDI Statement
The Scientific Committee of Antarctic Research (SCAR) is committed to promoting a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. With open minds, we aim to listen, engage in dialogue, and create meaningful change that will enrich our community with a wide range of voices, backgrounds, languages, experiences, and perspectives. The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Group (EDI AG) is tasked with broadly looking at how EDI issues can be effectively dealt with within SCAR, and what practical actions are relevant for the organisation. SCAR expects all parts of the organisation and community to actively engage with these issues and, where necessary, consult the action group for guidance.
We acknowledge that we must be both reactive and proactive in our efforts to promote EDI, and we will work together to create an environment where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to scientific research and leadership. We recognize that historic and systemic inequalities have excluded many individuals and communities from participating in scientific research, and as a result in leadership roles within SCAR, and we commit to understand where these inequalities continue to exist and to tackle them, whilst fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, where every voice is heard and every contribution is celebrated.
SCAR will continue to work to build a more inclusive and representative community that reflects the diversity of the world we explore. We recognize that we must engage with the SCAR community and our spheres of influence to affect meaningful change. By working together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future for Antarctic science and beyond.
The statement has also been published on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Group page.
