Cardiff’s St David’s Dewi Sant hosted a unique public engagement initiative, capturing real-time perspectives on equality, inclusion, and belonging across Wales.
Led by Mastering Diversity CIC, in partnership with Cardiff Life Magazine and WCS Agency, the activation brought together voices from across the UK and beyond, reflecting the diversity of Cardiff’s population and its growing international reach.
The filming forms part of a wider campaign ahead of the Mastering Diversity Conference 2026, set to take place in Cardiff, September 10th at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
As part of the conversation, members of the public were asked a series of questions including:
• How equal is Wales today?
• What makes people feel they belong?
• What makes Wales stand out?
The responses revealed a consistent theme:
• Cardiff is widely seen as a city where people feel they belong
• Wales is recognised as making meaningful progress on equality
However, there remains a clear expectation for continued action and leadership.
Contributors included a broad cross-section of society, including Welsh athlete Kieran Jones, Nathan Martin, Regional Board Engagement Manager NATWEST, alongside residents, visitors, students, and professionals.
Why This Matters for Wales
The initiative highlights the role of major public spaces like St David’s Shopping Centre in supporting not only economic activity, but also wider social engagement.
With significant daily footfall and a diverse audience, the Centre provided an ideal environment to capture authentic, real-world perspectives, positioning Cardiff as a hub for both commercial and cultural influence.
The insights gathered will feed directly into the Mastering Diversity Conference 2026, which will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and community voices from across the UK and internationally.
The Conference has established itself as a key platform for:
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Policy discussion
• Business engagement on equality, diversity, and inclusion operating under the theme: “We Go Together or Not At All”
Founder, multi-award-winning EDI Advisor, Bernie Davies, recently back from the United Nations CSW70 New York explains, “This isn’t about ticking boxes. This is about listening to real people. And what they’re saying is clear. Progress is happening, but we’re not finished yet.”
Centre Deputy Director at St David’s Dewi Sant, Richard Stephen-Knotts said, “St David’s Centre welcomes millions of visitors each year, so it’s important we create space for conversations like this. It was fantastic to see such a diverse range of people sharing their views on equality and belonging.”
A series of video content and insights from the day will be released in the lead-up to the Conference, contributing to a wider national and international conversation on equality and inclusion.
Businesses, organisations, and individuals are invited to engage through attendance, partnership, sponsorship, and collaboration.
Tickets for the conference are free and can be booked now via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mastering-diversity-conference-2026-royal-welsh-college-of-music-and-drama-tickets-1986076061965?aff=oddtdtcreator
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