Disney Launches “Global Belonging Week” Amid Shift Away From Traditional DEI Language

The Walt Disney Company is preparing to host its first-ever “Global Belonging Week,” a company-wide initiative set to take place from October 20–24, as the entertainment giant continues to refine its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

According to an internal email obtained by Business Insider, the week-long event is designed to “celebrate our rich culture, spark engagement, and empower each of us to do our best every day.” The email describes a series of voluntary livestream keynotes and discussions for employees worldwide, meant to “empower and inspire” Disney’s workforce.

The event marks a new chapter in Disney’s internal culture strategy — one that emphasizes “belonging” and “inclusion” while avoiding politically charged DEI terminology.

A Shift in Messaging

Earlier this year, Disney disbanded its “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative, a digital platform launched in 2021 to highlight underrepresented voices and promote workplace diversity. The new “Global Belonging Week” itinerary, notably, does not reference the terms “diversity,” “equity,” or “DEI” — language that has faced increasing scrutiny during President Donald Trump’s second term.

Experts say the shift reflects a broader corporate trend. Workplace strategist Mita Mallick, author of Reimagine Inclusion, told Business Insider that companies are moving toward less politically charged terms such as “belonging” and “culture.”

“Out of all the words, ‘diversity’ and ‘equity’ are words that people are staying away from,” Mallick said.

Corporate Distancing from DEI

The use of DEI-related language across corporate America has sharply declined. A May 2025 report from Gravity Research found a 72% year-over-year drop in DEI-related terms in public corporate communications and a staggering 98% decline in the phrase “DEI” itself.

Meanwhile, mentions of related concepts such as “belonging” and “diverse perspectives” have also decreased by 34% after seeing a 20% rise the previous year. A Conference Board study published in August noted that 53% of S&P 100 companies adjusted their DEI messaging in 2025.

Disney’s Global Belonging Week Memo

“You’re Invited: Global Belonging Week
Details for Disney’s inaugural Global Belonging Week, October 20—24, 2025, are here! Join us for this employee-exclusive, virtual and in-person experience.

Employees around the world are invited to join planned experiences focused on ways to increase your belonging and opportunities to thrive. We know that when employees feel a sense of belonging, they thrive, and so does the magic of Disney!

This voluntary week of events is designed to celebrate our rich culture, spark engagement, and empower each of us to do our best every day. Throughout the week, you’ll get:
Insight from keynote speakers designed to empower and inspire you.
Engaging learning experiences that foster a deeper understanding of the core value of inclusion and the power of belonging.
Opportunities to network and create meaningful connections with colleagues, as well as volunteer opportunities with Disney VoluntEARS.

No registration required. Visit the page below to learn about each event and to save them to your calendars.
This is an employee-only event.

And here’s Disney’s “Global Belonging Week” itinerary:
Monday, October 20, 2025
Opening Keynote and Kickoff
1:00 PM — 2:00 PM PDT / 4:00 PM — 5:00 PM EDT
Arda Ocal: Host, ESPN
Jill Estorino: President & Managing Director, Disney Parks International
Rita Ferro: President, Global Disney Advertising
Joe Earley: President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment
Renato D’Angelo: General Manager Brazil & Head of Marketing Out-of-Home LATAM for The Walt Disney Company
Tinisha Agramonte: SVP and Chief Opportunity & Inclusion Officer, The Walt Disney Company
Sonia Coleman: Senior Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, The Walt Disney Company

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Belonging and Thriving: Journeys from Humble Beginnings to First Generation Corporate Professionals
9:00 AM — 10:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM EDT
Tinisha Agramonte: Moderator, SVP and Chief Opportunity & Inclusion Officer, The Walt Disney Company
Sonia Coleman: Senior Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, The Walt Disney Company
Robert Thompson: Chief Operating Officer, Partners Federal Credit Union

Art of Belonging: Moana
1:00 PM — 1:30 PM PDT / 4:00 PM — 4:30 PM EDT

Livestream Details
Please return to this event page to view the live event.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Telling Stories That Resonate: The Global Impact of Lilo & Stitch
9:00 AM — 10:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM EDT
Anastasia Ali: Moderator, Vice President, Inclusive Marketing & Audience Growth, The Walt Disney Company
Maddie Woods: Director, Digital Marketing, The Walt Disney Studios
Megan Denman: Director, Production, The Walt Disney Studios

Thursday, October 23, 2025
Cultivating a Culture of Belonging through Interpersonal Connections with Patrice Borders
9:00 AM — 10:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM EDT
Livestream Details
Please return to this event page to view the live event.

Art of Belonging: Encanto
1:00 PM — 1:30 PM PDT / 4:00 PM — 4:30 PM EDT
Livestream Details
Please return to this event page to view the live event.

Friday, October 24, 2025
Global Belonging Week Closing
1:00 PM — 2:00 PM PDT / 4:00 PM — 5:00 PM EDT
Keynote Speaker
Juju Chang: Co-anchor, ABC News’ “Nightline”

On Demand
Cross Cultural Connections: Where Belonging Begins
On Demand
Please return to this during Global Belonging Week to watch the video.

Belong & Thrive: The Joy of Intersectionality, Allyship & Inclusion
On Demand
Please return to this page during Global Belonging Week to watch the video.”

Disney did not respond to requests for comment about the initiative or its broader DEI restructuring.