ELC Convenes Global Leaders Alongside UN General Assembly to Advance Equality in the Era of Technology
Company Feature, Oct 5, 2023
In its 4th consecutive year of convening around SDG 5 (Gender Equality), ELC and its longtime partner, the UN Foundation, co-hosted a reception comprised of nearly 200 leaders from government, business, and civil society. The event was hosted by William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman, and Jane Lauder, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Marketing and Chief Data Officer. Invited guests joined several ELC leaders with the common purpose of encouraging public and private sector dialogue, engagement, and collaboration––with a special focus on Promoting Equality in an Era of Emerging Technology.
Estée Lauder Global Changemaker Amanda Gorman joins members of senior leadership teams at ELC’s event, “Access and Inclusion”
The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) was honored to convene and participate in several events on the sidelines of the recent 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City.
This annual assembly brings together global leaders from United Nations (UN) member states to discuss the world’s most important issues. ELC’s engagement this year amplifies their continued commitment to working with multilateral partners to accelerate progress towards a more equitable and beautiful future for all.
William and Jane kicked off the evening by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the company’s continued commitment to women’s advancement and gender equity. “Today, with science, technology, and innovation radically transforming the ways we live, socialize, study, and work, they present areas of opportunity in which we can build action,” shared William. “As a company, we feel a responsibility to improving access to technology as a pathway to equality, particularly for women and girls.”
Amanda Gorman poses with ELC Chief Data Officer, Jane Lauder, Executive Chairman, William P. Lauder, and the UN Foundation President and CEO, Elizabeth Cousens
This year, the World Economic Forum predicted that, by 2030, more than half of all jobs will require digital literacy as industries are becoming increasingly data driven. This means digital access and literacy are critical to the workforce of the future––which cannot leave out women. The rising influence of technology, namely AI, is particularly relevant to UNGA 78, as navigating these realms has become more difficult than ever.
Manufacture and Package
After we have developed a product formula and sourced its ingredients and materials, manufacturing at scale begins. We use the most sophisticated processes and cutting-edge, automated equipment to manufacture superior beauty products efficiently.
We also place a focus on packaging our products responsibly by including packaging sustainability guidelines in new product launches and reviewing existing packaging to identify areas of enhancement with the consumer and planet in mind. Decisions like which materials, colors, and sizes to use are part of our day-to-day conversations, helping to ensure we can create elegant packages that demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and enhance the luxury expected from our brands.
Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, Anna Klein moderates conversation between Elizabeth Cousens, Jane Lauder, and Amanda Gorman
The evening included a short panel discussion with Jane, who was recently announced Executive Sponsor of ELC’s Gender Equity Strategy inclusive of Women in STEM; Estée Lauder Global Changemaker and National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman; and President and CEO of the UN Foundation, Elizabeth Cousens. The panel, which was moderated by Anna Klein, Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, focused on the importance of both companies and governments finding their unique lanes to make impact.
At the close of the evening, Jane reminded the audience of the unparallel power of coming together, especially to achieve these goals. In her final remarks, she said, “This work cannot be realized by individuals alone—when we join forces as a group, we can really make an impact.” This sentiment not only served as a confirmation of the theme for the evening, but also a call to action to ELC’s many partners in the room.
Amanda Gorman, Elizabeth Cousens, and Jane Lauder pose for photos after the program
Throughout the evening, guests shared their experiences, including Chief Tashka and Laura Yawanawá of the Yamanawá tribe, who spoke of their work with Aveda, and the importance of tapping into the local voice and expertise to find solutions.
