Celebrated each May, European Diversity Month draws attention to the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This year’s theme focused on building bridges between organisations and areas of inclusion and diversity policy covering all grounds of discrimination.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​European Diversity Month is part of the Commission's commitment to fight discrimination and promote diverse and inclusive workplaces through legislation. Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and in society throughout the whole EU. European Diversity Month also celebrates efforts by organisations to help build equal and inclusive environments for the benefit of all – including public institutions, private companies, non-profit organisations and local authorities.

Building bridges in 2022

This year's edition put an emphasis on encouraging organisations to build partnerships with governmental institutions, private companies and civil society organisations to work together to promote diversity. The European Commission together with the EU Platform of Diversity Charters invited all organisations and companies in Europe to also build bridges between the different aspects of diversity.

Commissioner Dalli said: “Diversity management in the workplace must be one of the main human resources priorities for any employer in Europe. This is because when employees are valued for who they are, they are more committed to their job and make full use of their talents and creativity."

European Diversity Month 2022 kicked off on 29 April with a high-level opening event that featured speeches and debates with Commissioner Dalli and representatives of organisations such as Ingka Group (IKEA Retail), Solvay, Orange, AXA or Enel who explored how to build more inclusive workplaces, and how we can all play a part in creating truly inclusive spaces that contribute to the growth of both the businesses and their employees.

You can watch the recording of the opening event here. 

During the European Diversity Month 2022, thousands of organisations joined in the celebrations by organising their own internal and external actions, events and social media campaigns focusing on diversity and inclusion. Diversity Charters from 26 Member States also organised their own events and encouraged their signatories to take part. You can find information about some of the initiatives of the Diversity Charters presented in this Newsletter.

To learn more about the EU Diversity Month and the individual Diversity Charters visit our website.