GSMA Integrates #ChangeTheFace Alliance to Advance Diversity in Telecom
The GSMA, the global body representing the mobile connectivity ecosystem, has announced the integration of the #ChangeTheFace Alliance into its portfolio, furthering its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the telecom sector. According to the GSMA’s January 29 statement, this move strengthens efforts to foster an industry that better mirrors the diversity of the global population it serves.
The Integration: Amplifying Collective Action
Since its founding in 2020, the #ChangeTheFace Alliance has been a unifying force for global tech companies, NGOs, and industry bodies, driving initiatives on workplace diversity. It has contributed groundbreaking research like the 2023 Neurodiversity in Tech Report and brought diversity-focused advocacy to forums including the UN General Assembly, the World Economic Forum, and Mobile World Congress (MWC). Its recognition with the GLOMO Award for Diversity in Tech in 2022 at MWC Barcelona underscores its impact.
Under the GSMA’s stewardship, the #ChangeTheFace Alliance will maintain its member-led structure, governed by an independent board to ensure continuity. Its inclusion under the GSMA’s “Connectivity for Good” programme is designed to scale initiatives and expand global participation to new heights. The GSMA plans to share progress at flagship events like MWC Barcelona and the M360 series, further amplifying its reach.
Industry Context: Why Inclusion Matters
The integration comes at a pivotal time for the technology and telecom sectors, which face increasing scrutiny for lack of diversity at leadership levels and in workforce demographics. According to McKinsey’s 2022 “Diversity Wins” report, companies in the top quartile for ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to outperform peers financially. The GSMA’s alignment with the #ChangeTheFace Alliance positions it to lead meaningful change in an era when diversity is viewed as a driver of innovation and trust in emerging digital ecosystems.
For the GSMA, this is not just a reputational enhancement but also a strategic move to position itself as a global leader in corporate social responsibility. Combining resources and expertise amplifies its ability to ensure that advancements in mobile connectivity reflect equality and accessibility.
The Future: Building Momentum
Lara Dewar, Chief Marketing Officer of the GSMA, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “The #ChangeTheFace Alliance has already demonstrated the power of collective action. Expanding this work within the GSMA will ensure our industry is more inclusive and sustainable.”
Likewise, the Alliance’s founding chair, Serpil Timuray, noted the critical momentum built by member contributions since 2020. “The GSMA offers the global reach and platform needed to expand our impact further,” shared Timuray, reflecting on the potential for achieving greater scale.
As the GSMA continues to strengthen its diversity efforts, questions emerge regarding how other major industry players will step up. Will we see similar alliances extending to AI, cloud infrastructure, or satellite technology sectors? The next wave of integration offers a litmus test for how far-reaching and impactful such initiatives can become across the tech ecosystem.
Explore More: To learn more about the GSMA and its initiatives, visit GSMA’s official website.
