Code of Conduct.

It is the policy of the Organising Committee for AEO that all participants are able to participate in its activities and are able to enjoy an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. The Organising Committee is committed to making all AEO events and activities productive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, nationality or religion. Harassment of any form will not be tolerated and might result in the perpetrators being permanently removed from the AEO event or activity, and reported to relevant authorities.

The code of conduct outlined here applies to all delegates, exhibitors, guests (e.g., media, service staff), and accompanying people, without exception. Anybody who enters a space associated with AEO activities and engages in those activities at any level, is bound by this code of conduct. Participation in any AEO activities and / or events constitutes implicit acceptance and understanding of the code of conduct by the participants. Ignorance of the Code will not be considered a legitimate excuse for breach of the Code.

Everybody participating in Advancing Earth Observations Forum activities and / or events is expected to:

  • Behave professionally

  • Be considerate and respectful to others

  • Not insult or put down other members, participants, or attendees

  • Critique ideas, not individuals

All communication must be appropriate for a professional audience that includes people of many different backgrounds. Inappropriate use of sexist, racist or ageist language and imagery, and / or any other commentary that is or can be perceived to be discriminatory in any way, is not permitted. Inappropriate language or behavior include (but are not limited to) jokes, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo, deliberate intimidation, stalking, and photography or recording of an individual without consent. Offensive comments about race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size or religion, will not be tolerated.

Individuals engaging in behavior prohibited by this policy as well as those making allegations of harassment in bad faith, will be subject to disciplinary action by the management committee. Such actions may range from a verbal warning, to permanent ejection from an event or activity disrupted by the behavior or the entire meeting, without refund of the registration fees (where applicable).

Repeat offenders may be banned from participating in future activities and events. Serious offences will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Reporting a concern or offence

Anyone wishing to report a violation of this policy is asked to speak confidentially to one of the AEO Organising Committee members at the Forum or by email to the Forum convener, via the Secretariat at secretariat@earthobsforum.org.