After drawing more than 250 participants from across Canada and around the world in 2024, Memorial University’s International Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR) Conference is back by popular demand for a second year.

The conference will take place from May 22-23 at Memorial University’s Signal Hill Campus in St. John's.

Find the full schedule of events here.

A dynamic lineup of speakers and sessions will highlight research, real-world progress, emerging strategies and examples of institutional leadership advancing equity and inclusion across sectors and communities.

“Last year’s conference exceeded all expectations — it sparked new partnerships, energized the community and proved there is a strong desire for advancing this work,” said Dr. Delores Mullings, vice-provost (equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism) at Memorial. “This year, we’re building on that energy to deliver a program that’s even more impactful. Our goal is to create a space where people can come together to learn from one another, highlight what’s working and inspire new approaches to advancing EDI-AR.” 

At the request of last year’s attendees, the conference is now a two-day event.

Sample session topics 

• Building inclusive municipal and workplace environments
• Advancing EDI-AR in STEM, health care and research
• Becoming an anti-racist researcher and true ally
• Supporting neurodiverse individuals in post-secondary education

Keynote and plenary speakers

• Carey Majid, executive director, Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
• Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei, associate vice-president (Indigenous research), Memorial University
• Tanya Finlay, vice-president, people and culture, Fortis Inc.
• Senator Judy A. White and Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard

Renewed importance in 2025

With equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism measures facing challenges worldwide — including American president Donald Trump actively dismantling progressive initiatives in the United States — Memorial University is reaffirming its commitment to these values by hosting the conference.

“We are watching in real time as some jurisdictions retreat from hard-won progress in equity and human rights,” said Dr. Mullings. “For many, this conference is a call to action. As others scale back, Memorial, and all other organizations in attendance this week, will be scaling up.”

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Media are invited to attend (fees waived), and Dr. Delores Mullings is available for interviews before, during and after the conference. Visit here for full program details and to reserve your spot. For more information, please contact Cherry Ralhan-Khanna at cralhankhanna@mun.ca.