European Diversity Day 2025 – Diversity Charter Awards are distributed!

May is the Diversity Month!

It is traditionally the European Diversity Month, the highlight of which this year was the international conference European Diversity Day 2025, organized by the platform of responsible companies Business for Society and the national coordinator of the Diversity Charter in the Czech Republic. This year, the conference took place in the Fant Hall in the historic premises of Wilson Station in Prague.

The conference connects leaders of responsible business, representatives of public administration, academia and other organizations, who together set the trends of the modern labor market. The partners of this year's conference were ČEZ Group and Philip Morris Czech Republic. The conference was organized with the support of the Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic.

“Diversity and inclusion are not only values ​​for us at ČEZ Group, but also a strategic commitment. We believe that diverse teams bring a broader spectrum of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, which is essential for solving the complex challenges we face as an energy company. For a diverse environment to function properly, it is necessary not only to activate each individual, but also to adapt the system. That is why we decided to support this year’s European Diversity Day and Diversity Charter Awards for companies that contribute to sustainable development,” says Zuzana Šillerová, ESG Office of ČEZ Group.

The busy program also included the ceremony announcing the results of the 1st edition of the Diversity Charter Awards 2025. The Diversity Charter Awards are intended for companies that create an open and friendly work environment where employees have the opportunity to develop their potential regardless of age, gender, family status, sexual orientation, nationality, or other differences.

“We support the Diversity Forum because we believe that diversity and inclusion are not just values – they are strategic imperatives. A diverse workforce fosters innovation and drives better decision-making. By embracing different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, we strengthen our company culture, enhance employee engagement, and position ourselves for long-term success. Inclusion ensures that every voice is heard and valued, unlocking the full potential of our people and our business“ says Altynay Tezekova, People & Culture Director CZ/SK, Philip Morris.

The patronage of the 1st edition of the Diversity Charter Awards 2025 was provided by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, and on behalf of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jurečka.

Support and close cooperation were also provided by the Government Commissioner for the Roma Minority, Lucie Fuková, as one of the categories was "ROMA Friendly Company."

"Roma people are the hidden potential of our labor market. If we can create a diverse and open work environment, we will bring into employment even those who today feel marginalized, even if they have the skills, talent, or education. Social responsibility is not just a nice term - it is a new way of looking at business. It brings companies loyal and aware employees who value opportunities and being treated as equals. People are most afraid of what they don't know - so let's get to know each other better, connect, and enrich each other," said Lucie Fuková, the government commissioner for the Roma minority, during the conference.

Diversity at the Crossroads

The conference program was opened by the Minister for European Union Affairs, Martin Dvořák, who emphasized that diversity, equality, inclusion, freedom and human rights are not self-evident. And that, especially today, we must have the courage to stand up for these values.

The main discussion panel entitled "Diversity as a Value. And Why Does It Matter More Than Ever?" was attended by Irena Moozová, Deputy Director General for Justice and Consumers (DG-JUSTICE), Zuzana Šillerová, Director of the ESG Office of the ČEZ Group, and Jaroslav Grygar, Senior Manager, Business HR and WEEC, Beko Europe.

The panel topics focused on the importance and significance of diversity and inclusion, including the need to understand them more broadly. That is, as values ​​that positively influence the quality of life in society, support social cohesion and have significant economic potential for employers and the labor market. The panel was moderated by Klára Escobar, HR Director of MONETA Money Bank and holder of the title TOP Responsible Leader in Diversity 2024.

"Diversity and inclusion are not marginal topics, but key pillars of European identity, which the European Commission stands behind," said Irena Moozová during the debate.

A special guest of the online program was Ivana Vagaská, Director of the Slovak Diversity Charter, with a view on the situation of diversity and inclusion in Slovakia, including the challenges it has to face.

Another interesting guest was Jaroslav Grygar, Senior Manager, Business HR and WEEC at Beko Europe (former Whirlpool Slovakia), who has been actively involved in the company's initiatives aimed at employing Roma communities in Poprad for a long time. This inspiring project provides people on the margins of society with an opportunity to improve their lives. For many participants, it represents a chance for regular employment and integration into the labor market and society.

Jaroslav Grygar emphasizes that employing Roma is not a specific experiment for the company, but a natural process that has proven successful. Roma make up 31% of Beko's employees in the Poprad region, an area with a high unemployment rate.

Stounman29 and Gypsy Spirit by Vojta Lavička

The program featured Stounman29 alias Petr Burda with his partners Jiří Holzmann and Jaroslav Novotný, who, with sharp and at the same time entertaining glosses, show how disabled people live in the Czech Republic. The prominent and popular Romani musician and composer Vojta Lavička and his Gypsy Spirit made the entire hall dance with their great music.

The Diversity Charter of the Czech Republic has 4 new signatories

A traditional part of the program is the ceremonial accession of new signatories to the Diversity Charter. With the participation of the Deputy Director General for Justice and Consumers, Irena Moozová, the following companies solemnly acceded to the Diversity Charter:

• CPL Jobs s.r.o.

• DHL Supply Chain s.r.o.

• Herbacos Recordati s.r.o.

• SAZKA a.s.
  

Diversity Charter Awards 2025

The program culminated in the ceremonial announcement of the results of the 1st year of the Diversity Charter Awards 2025. They are intended for companies that support an open and inclusive work environment. Since 2014, more than 130 companies have signed the Diversity Charter in the Czech Republic, across sectors – from multinational corporations. Including large domestic companies, through small and medium-sized enterprises, and some public administration institutions. Together, these organizations employ over 200,000 people. The Diversity Charter has become a significant platform influencing important trends on the labor market.

The Diversity Charter Awards 2025 were divided into 4 categories. A total of 26 companies applied for the inaugural year, submitting a total of 44 projects, which were evaluated by expert and independent juries for each category.

European Diversity Charter Award

• 1st place: Raiffeisenbank a.s.  

• 2nd place: DHL Supply Chain s.r.o.

• 3rd place: UNIQA Management Services, s.r.o.

• Jury Special Award: Škoda Auto a.s.

ROMA Friendly Company

• 1st place: Vodafone Czech Republic a. s.

• 2nd place: Wienerberger s.r.o.

• 3rd place: Ikea Česká republika s.r.o.  

• Jury Special Award: Klepierre Management Česká Republika, s.r.o.  

Employer Supporting Women at Workplace

• 1st place: Infosys (Czech Republic) Limited s.r.o  

• 2nd place: Iveco Czech Republic, a.s. 

• 3rd place: MONETA Money Bank, a.s.  

• Jury Special Award: Vodafone Czech Republic a. s.

Employer Supporting Age Diversity & Intergeneration Dialogue

• 1st place: Vodafone Czech Republic a. s.

• 2nd place: MONETA Money Bank, a.s. 

• 3rd place: Albert Česká republika, s.r.o. 

• Jury Special Award: Česká spořitelna, a.s.  

We congratulate responsible companies on their achievements in the 1st year of the Diversity Charter Award 2025!