SOLIT has officially launched its international DE&I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) study tour program. Building on the practical knowledge we’ve gained through past project-based initiatives, the program is designed to offer participants the opportunity to visit DE&I leaders in person—allowing them to experience, learn from, and bring back insights into diverse models of society.
Our first destination was London, a global city that embodies both diversity and innovation. As a hub for pioneering initiatives in areas such as social welfare, immigration policy, gender equality, and disability support, London offered participants a rich environment to engage with cutting-edge practices and deepen their learning through meaningful dialogue.
Purpose of the Tour
1．Fostering Multidimensional Understanding
Participants explore the mindsets and knowledge needed by leaders in the DE&I field. Through creative communication, we facilitate mutual understanding and transformative insights among participants and local practitioners.
2．Deepening Understanding Through Firsthand Experience
By directly engaging with advanced DE&I practices on the ground, participants gain a nuanced understanding of the real-life contexts—cultural backgrounds, tensions, and complexities—in which these initiatives exist. Through these immersive experiences, they uncover insights that can be applied to their own organizations and communities.
3．Creating a Collaborative Community
In an evolving field like DE&I, collaboration and networking among practitioners are essential. These tours serve as a platform for collective learning, where participants co-create momentum for change by sharing their knowledge and practices.
Why London?
London is a true multicultural metropolis, home to diverse ethnicities, religions, and cultures. The city leads globally in social welfare, immigration support, gender equality, and more, with DE&I practices deeply embedded across both public and private sectors. It's also a hub for innovation, with startups and global companies advancing DE&I-driven initiatives—making it an ideal destination for deep and diverse learning.
Key Learning Themes
- Diversity: Multicultural integration, refugee and immigrant support
- Equity: Anti-poverty initiatives, anti-discrimination efforts, fair employment systems
- Inclusion: Social structures supporting people in vulnerable positions such as the disabled and elderly
Examples of Tour Partners and Visits
Here are some of the organizations we’ve collaborated with or visited in the past. Visits can be tailored based on the tour’s goals and are subject to change based on global conditions.
- Open Inclusion: Research and innovation hub focused on disability inclusion
- The Clink Charity: Rehabilitation program providing employment and training through hospitality
- UCL / GDI Hub: Leading center for inclusive design and assistive technology research
- Google UK: Inclusive product design and accessibility initiatives
- Apple UK: Case studies in inclusive advertising and creative concept development
- HSBC: Banking services designed with digital accessibility in mind
- Motionspot: UK-based inclusive design consultancy creating spaces accessible to all
- Signapse: Startup using AI to improve access to sign language information
- Valuable 500: Global business alliance promoting disability inclusion in corporations
- Tonic Housing: The UK’s first LGBTQ+ affirmative housing project for older adults
…and many more.
The Value of Firsthand Experience
Learning That Can Only Happen On-Site
The atmosphere, human interactions, and trial-and-error stories experienced in person cannot be replicated in a textbook. Seeing, hearing, speaking, and feeling—these multisensory encounters inform practical action upon return.
Facilitation by Experts
PROJECT SOLIT’s team provides expert facilitation grounded in multicultural experience, helping participants reflect deeply and internalize DE&I. This is not just a trip—it’s a curated learning journey.
Building a Global Network
The connections forged during the tour offer future opportunities for collaboration. By connecting with DE&I practitioners worldwide, participants expand both their perspectives and their impact.
Closing Thoughts
At SOLIT, we are committed to moving DE&I beyond slogans and into meaningful, sustainable practice. This study tour to London marks a powerful first step. Moving forward, we will continue expanding our global programs—sharing key insights and practical strategies for DE&I that Japan needs now more than ever. (Past location: Hong Kong)
If your organization is interested in joining or partnering with us, feel free to reach out. We look forward to building this movement together.