“Fighting racism and discrimination is at the very heart of what the European Union stands for,” said EU Ambassador to the UK when opening the event. “At home and abroad, we fight discriminatory laws and promote access to equal opportunities in all spheres of life. We believe that promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is not only a matter of human rights, but also essential for peace and security, social justice, and economic progress".

EUDEL

The reception started with ice-breaker activities run by volunteers from Youth for Inclusive Europe, followed by a keynote address by Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London: 

“We are living in challenging times with the very notion of equality and diversity attacked and the threat of seeing hard-fought progress on the rights and protections for under-represented communities rolled back. That is why it was a privilege to join the EU Delegation to the UK and speak about our shared commitment as Europeans to defending our values, tackling racial discrimination, and working together to address inequality within our societies. We will continue to work with our partners, our communities and those who share our values to ensure those who seek to divide us do not succeed".

EUDEL

EUDEL

An engaging panel discussion titled "United in Diversity: Inclusion in the Current Landscape" addressed the state of inclusion in workplaces and communities, as well as barriers and pathways to progress.

Panellists included:

Gelsica Da Glória, Founder of Youth for Inclusive Europe

Aké Achi, CEO of Black Europeans

Monia Briki, Teacher, Mentor, and Education Consultant

Professor Nelarine Cornelius of Queen Mary University of London

Géraldine Dufort, Head of the Diversity and Inclusion Office in the European Commission's HR Department

Luis Loureiro de Amorim, Head of Unit, Outreach & External relations at European Personnel Selection Office joined the discussion virtually, explaining the Diversity and Inclusion policies in the EU institutions and bodies  and invited the participants to join the network of diversity and inclusion organisations to be able to share information about work opportunities in the EU institutions more widely. 

EUDEL

Diversity, equality and inclusion remain a priority of the EU. The Political Guidelines of the Von der Leyen Commission acknowledge that for too many people, equality is not yet a reality. That is why the European Commission will propose new strategies very soon on Gender Equality Strategy, LGBTIQ Equality and Anti-Racism. The Commission will also continue to implement the existing EU Strategic Framework for Roma and the one for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In the UK, the EU Delegation to the UK supports EU citizens in the UK who are protected by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and many of whom are from ethnic minority background, facing particular challenges. Last year, together with Black Europeans, the EU Delegation hosted a strategy day aimed at finding solutions on how to address systemic challenges affecting EU citizens from ethnic minority background. As a result, we launched a Monitoring Network for European ethnic minorities, bringing together organisations, academics, Member States and experts to discuss most pressing issues and to collaborate on evidence gathering. Initial research findings should be ready in May 2025 and will be shared once available. 

By hosting this event, the EU Delegation to the UK reaffirmed its dedication to fighting racism and discrimination and contributes to an ongoing conversation on diversity, inclusion, and mental well-being in the workplace and society, reinforcing the EU's commitment to these issues.