Diversity at the Crossroads: Why It Matters Right Now? Webinar Recording

No, diversity, equality, and inclusion are not “gender” or “woke” slogans, nor a passing trend of the last decade. They are values that concern every one of us – whether we realize it today or not.

That’s why we symbolically launched this year’s Diversity Month at the Dunaj Palace on Národní třída – the seat of the European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic. We wanted to remind everyone that diversity, equality, inclusion, freedom, and human rights are not a given. Especially today, we must have the courage to stand up for these values. We live in a time when, in real time, we see the questioning of what we long considered the solid foundations of a democratic and open society. That’s why the theme of the webinar opening the European Diversity Month 2025 – resilience and sustainability of diversity and inclusion values – is so relevant.

We do not back down from fundamental democratic values

At the beginning of the programme, Pavla Francírková, Political Officer at the European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic, clearly stated that the European Commission has no plans to make any fundamental changes to key DEI strategies. The EU’s core documents are based on the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion in society and the labour market, and the new European Commission once again includes a Commissioner for Equality (currently Hadja Lahbib). The European Commission is not retreating from its commitments – and that is a clear signal.

Pavel Štern, Director of Business for Society, added that DEI is a cornerstone of a democratic, open, and prosperous Europe. We certainly don’t want to return to a time when entire groups of people were marginalised or ostracised. If we abandon these values, we risk reliving similar lessons. We must understand diversity, equality, and inclusion more broadly – as values that positively affect quality of life, support social cohesion, and hold significant economic potential. These are values for everyone – no one is excluded! We all want the opportunity to live with dignity, to work, and to contribute to shaping our future. And the same naturally applies to the workplace.

Are we going back to times when LGBT people were considered ill and women belonged in the home?

The webinar programme explored questions such as: What would happen if we began to back away from the themes of diversity, equality, and inclusion? Can we even imagine all the consequences? Perspectives on the chosen topics were presented by experts from responsible business and academia: Tereza Kadlecová, Director of the Pride Business Forum; Lucie Vidovićová, sociologist at Masaryk University, the National Institute SYRI, and the Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs; and Tereza Králová, Head of Employer Brand and People & Culture Processes at Raiffeisenbank.

What stood out in the discussion?

We agreed that we are truly at a symbolic crossroads. The “global pressure” to abandon DEI principles in the labour market can indirectly influence the attitudes of many employers. That’s why it is so important to highlight positive examples and continue to uphold and protect these values.

The European Commission is clear: it is not backing down from its commitments! Responsible companies that have long supported and developed inclusive, open, and friendly work environments can serve as vital examples. Public institutions, too, should set a clear standard in this regard.

The Czech labour market is already facing a severe shortage of workers in key sectors – from healthcare and education to IT and technology. If companies and public institutions are not open to people from diverse backgrounds (e.g. foreigners, parents returning from parental leave, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, older generations, minorities, etc.), they deprive themselves of enormous human potential. Closed-mindedness and cultural stereotypes could threaten the economic growth and development of the Czech Republic.

Society is diverse, and we never know when life might place us in a role where we will need the support of others. Maybe today we are living a comfortable life, but tomorrow we could be a single parent, an informal caregiver, someone recovering from a serious illness, or a senior wanting to continue working. And what about your children? What if one day they tell you they’re gay or trans?

Diversity is neither woke nor gender ideology. An economy focused solely on profit ultimately benefits only a very narrow group of people. But diversity is an opportunity for all! For women who want children and still pursue professional and career growth. For older generations who have vast experience but are too often written off just because of their age. For young people who need opportunities to learn, grow, and prove themselves. For people with disabilities who want to live a full life. For minorities, foreign workers... for everyone!

So let’s stop putting people in boxes. Let’s stop judging others by their age, gender, or our assumptions. Let’s build environments that exclude no one.

Want to hear specific stories, ideas, and experiences? Listen to our webinar! Because diversity is not something “extra” – it’s the foundation we stand on.