European Diversity Day 2026 and the Diversity Charter Awards Ceremony

The Future of Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Values That Set the Direction.

May is traditionally European Diversity Month, culminating in European Diversity Day, to which we are pleased to invite you.

The programme will also include the announcement of the results of the 2nd edition of the Diversity Charter Awards 2026.

This year’s event will focus on the transformation of the world of work in the age of artificial intelligence. Alongside new opportunities, it also brings the risk of deepening inequalities. It is important that the future of work is built on strong values – diversity, equality, inclusion and responsibility.

Almost one hundred years ago, Karel Čapek, in his famous work R.U.R., warned of a world in which technological progress becomes detached from human responsibility and ethical values. His message sounds more urgent today than ever before: technology alone is not a guarantee of a better future. Without reason, responsibility and respect for people, even the most advanced progress can become a loss rather than a real benefit to society.

The conference will bring together leaders from business, public administration, academia and civil society in inspiring discussions on how to use technological progress responsibly for the benefit of people. It will offer examples of good practice as well as space to seek answers to key questions:

• How can artificial intelligence be developed responsibly and in line with the values of a democratic society?

• How can we create a future of work that supports human potential?

• What role do responsible companies play, and what role will they play, in this transformation?
  
  

This year, the programme will once again feature truly exclusive guests.

• Irena Moozová, Deputy Director-General, DG JUST, European Commission

• Monika Ladmanová, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic

• Tomáš Mikolov, renowned Czech scientist and Co-founder of BottleCap AI

• Zdeněk Vacek, Director of the Karel Čapek Memorial

• Filip Molčan, Chief Innovation Officer, M2C

• Pavlína Kalousová, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Asahi Europe & International, and other guests

Programme:

The conference will be moderated by Eva Čerešňáková, with musical accompaniment by DJ Margaretta

9:00–9:20 Opening of the Conference and Welcome Remarks
Official opening of the international conference European Diversity Day 2026

9:20–9:30 R.U.R. – Karel Čapek’s Message Still Relevant Today
A video recalling Karel Čapek’s timeless ideas about technology, humanity and responsibility

9:30–10:20 The Future of Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Values That Set the Direction

The main discussion panel of the conference will address one of today’s key questions: how to ensure that technological progress serves society as a whole. The debate will focus on the role of companies, institutions and individuals in shaping a fair and inclusive future of work.

The debate will be moderated by Pavlína Kalousová, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Asahi Europe & International

VIP panel guests:

• Zdeněk Vacek, Director of the Karel Čapek Memorial

• Tomáš Mikolov, scientist and co-founder of the startup BottleCap AI

• Filip Molčan, Chief Innovation Officer, M2C

10:20–10:40 Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technologies in Practice

Presentation of inspiring examples of the responsible use of artificial intelligence and innovation in practice by representatives of responsible companies – ambassadors of the Diversity Charter

• Renáta Millerová, HR Director Centra Eastern Europe, Thermo Fisher Scientific

• David Vochoč, Customer Renewal Executive MEE Region, SAP ČR, spol. s r.o.

10:40–11:10 Coffee Break

11:10–12:30 Diversity Charter Awards 2026 Ceremony

Announcement of the results of the 2nd edition of the awards for companies and organisations that actively support diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion in the workplace

12:30–13:30 Networking & Refreshments