Our latest blog introduces you to board member Naveed A Rana who shares his vision for a Scotland that guarantees equality of opportunity for all.
Naveed is a board member of the Scottish Conservatives – Friends of BAME. He is a passionate Conservative, who dreams of a highly-educated society, where everyone is self-sufficient and has every opportunity reach to the best of their abilities.
A career shaped within large multinational corporations including, Microsoft UK, Bank of Scotland and Inbev UK; Naveed has an appreciation of the positive spirit of internationalism within business. Now an entrepreneurial business owner, Naveed is committed to ensuring the next generation is supported, able to play an active role in commerce and society, and to achieve excellence in all aspects of life.
Recently Naveed has been announced as the Chairman of the Conservative Muslim Forum in Scotland; helping to engage and promote the community he represents within the party. He is also the Editor in Chief of Infinity News, an online community channel that focuses on the Muslim community in Scotland, shares news from the British Government, and passes on vital information regarding health and the economy. Naveed is active within the Scottish political arena, with good community links.
I became a member of the Scottish Conservative party as I believe it is the natural home for people of BAME origin within the UK. My own experience of the party is one of openness and honesty, with members and the party leaders committed to creating a party, and a country, that embraces our cultural diversity and ensures that every ethnicity has a voice.
Not even for a second, am I saying everything is great and there are no challenges or issues associated within a multicultural society. I acknowledge that there is a lot of work to be done in educating, understanding, rectifying and implementing issues on diversity and race. This in turn will help eradicate prejudice and create opportunity for ethnic minorities.
When I look at today’s UK Government Cabinet, it gives me great confidence in my party’s commitment to being a party that his representative of the UK’s ethnic diversity. We have the most diverse Cabinet in the history of the UK and this is a genuine, positive starting point. This must be emulated long-term across the country.
And previous Conservative administrations have always recognised the challenge of addressing dwindling numbers of BAME boardroom appointments, and across NHS trust leadership roles. Previous Prime Ministers, David Cameron and Theresa May both understood this need, and stated that more diversity was needed in senior leadership roles . I believe this must be rectified soon. By collating and acting upon information swiftly, these gaps in representation can be closed.
We must look to the future. I am of the opinion that looking to the past for someone to blame is not helpful in ensuring we move forward together. We must learn from the past, as we create and design an inclusive future. We will make Britain great, when we come together. This is a shared challenge, across all parties and society, and one that requires everyone to play their part.
I wish to play my part in ensuring an even playing field, and equality of opportunity for my own children and future generations. I have faith in the Scottish Conservative Party to implement and adopt the recommendations of Scottish Conservatives – Friends of BAME. Once the talking is done, our actions will speak louder than words.
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