The ECTRIMS Congress not only brought scientific knowledge and medical innovation to Barcelona, but it also left a legacy in the city. Having the opportunity to host the congress triggered collaboration between key local stakeholders – Fundació Esclerosi Múltiple, Barcelona Convention Bureau and Barcelona Activa – to start the development of a project that will help people living with multiple sclerosis in their professional lives.
In Spain, more than 55,000 people live with multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite major advances in treatments that allow patients to have a better quality of life and remain active in the workforce for longer, there is still significant stigma and a lack of knowledge regarding their professional capabilities. As a result, only 56% of people living with MS are active in the workforce – a figure lower than both the global average and that of the general population. Moreover, only 10% of people living with MS consider their workplace adequately adapted in the event of worsening symptoms.
To address this issue, Fundació Esclerosi Múltiple – the local patient association in Catalonia – together with the Barcelona Convention Bureau and Barcelona Activa – the local economic development agency – are launching a pioneering project to raise awareness and support Catalan companies in the recruitment, inclusion and management of employees living with MS.
This initiative will result in an online training aimed at the local business community that:
– Provides information and dispels myths about MS.
– Offers tools to improve diversity management.
– Promotes inclusive and competitive work environments.
This project was presented on November 13th during a session dedicated to reflecting on how to build more inclusive and diverse organizations. During the session, a person with MS shared her worked experience together with the company she works for, serving as an example of an organization that has successfully integrated diverse talent into its teams. The online training course will be available on December 3rd to all companies in Barcelona.
This initiative highlights the powerful potential congresses have to create lasting value for the host destinations. Beyond the exchange of knowledge within conference walls, the broader impact of events can be measured by the positive change they spark within local communities. This kind of collaborative and purpose-driven projects that involve key local actors are what transform a congress from a moment in time into a catalyst for long-term progress.
With the support from:
– Promoter: Fundació Esclerosi Múltiple
– Collaborators: Barcelona Convention Bureau, Barcelona Activa and Esclerosis Múltiple España
– Sponsors: Novartis, Roche, Merck and Sanofi
Blog courtesy of Barcelona Turisme, a Patient Community Day Supporting Partner.