Leadership and evolving workplaces topped the agenda at this week’s Diversity Mark Summit in Belfast.

More than 250 leaders, employers and inclusion practitioners gathered at Titanic Belfast to hear from allyship expert Ben Hurst, Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, and other local and international voices about putting people at the heart of AI-accelerated workplace change.

Speaking at Titanic Belfast, Diversity Mark Director Christine White said: “If there was one takeaway that echoed throughout this year’s Summit, it’s that, for organisations, the fundamentals for future growth are uniquely human. People bring with them the original ideas – the lived experiences – that, when combined with technology, provide the building blocks for tangible impact on the longer-term.

“That was central to our theme, ‘Future Ready, Human First’. As technology and AI continue to reshape the way we work and live, the Summit was a reminder that we cannot lose sight of what makes us human. The conversations, personal stories and insights shared throughout the day showed that being ready for the future isn’t simply about keeping up with technology – it’s about making sure people, human connection and inclusion remain at the heart of how we move forward. We hope everyone leaves not only with new ideas, but with a renewed sense of responsibility to put people first.”

Among the Summit’s speaker line-up was Professor Mary Hannon-Fletcher of Ulster University, Neurodiversity Spark CEO Gary Gates, Northern Ireland Water's Helen Devlin, Samuel Fretwell of Encirc, White Ribbon NI's Corey Mullan, lawyer Jude Copeland, and Judith Gillespie CBE.

Minster for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald added: “This summit reminds us that technological progress and economic growth are not ends in themselves. Their value lies in the extent to which they enrich people’s lives and enhance our wellbeing. Economic growth should be channelled towards positive societal goals and that ethos is one I have adopted in my Department, including creating more Good Jobs because that is the basis for workers and families to enjoy a decent standard of living.”

Allstate Northern Ireland returned as title sponsor the 2026 Summit, with other partners including Translink, Gilbert-Ash, NIE Networks, CIPD, Deloitte UK, Encirc, Belfast City Council and Ulster University.