Nearly 200 people made the trip to Brussels European Parliament buildings to celebrate the launch of the second European Diversity Awards on Thursday 26 April, sponsored by Google and Royal Bank of Scotland.
BBC news presenter Jane Hill introduced guest speaker Michael Cashman MEP, who has been an avid supporter of the awards since they were launched last year. The European Parliament representative spoke about how integral the awards have become in the push to promote equality for all and that they have become vital in recognising the good work done by many among minority groups. Senior policy adviser at the Government Equalities Office and last year's winner of the Campaigner of the Year Award, Barbara Lindsay, then took to the stage, followed by Dana Trama-Zada, who represented commissioner Viviane Reding's cabinet.
The speeches concluded with words from key sponsors, Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe, head of diversity at Google and the chief executive of corporate banking at Royal Bank of Scotland, Chris Sullivan.
Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe said: "To be present at the European Parliament for the launch of this year's awards was an awe inspiring experience, one at which I believe we witnessed a seminal moment in the history of diversity and inclusion, for this was the first time that corporates; NGOs, campaigners and the European Parliament have come together around the common cause of diversity.
"My hope now is that everyone involved can build on this momentum, that everyone who is delivering great work on diversity will apply to the awards and that the awards will become a powerful driver of change across Europe."
Chris Sullivan added: "The number of well known businesses and institutions who are now involved points to a near term future where mindless discrimination on irrelevant characteristics will no longer be a barrier to our societies. So many people doing so much positive activity and coming together to recognise the very best practices across Europe is an incredibly powerful message."
Guests included Coronation Street actor Charlie Condou and Time Out journalist Paul Burston. Linda Riley, managing director of Square Peg Media, organisers of the event, said: "The first awards was an amazing event, this year we aim to build on the previous success. Grass root organisations and charities that support the various strands of diversity should be recognised, and this year we hope to offer more seats at the awards for the people who are making a difference."
The European Diversity Awards 2012 have attracted sponsors such as Abercrombie & Fitch, An Inspirational Journey, Bank of America - Merill Lynch, BNP Paribas, Herbert Smith, Pfizer, Societe Generale, United Health and Vodafone. All the sponsors are fully committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across their industry sector. Societe Generale has taken its sponsorship of the Charity of the year category a step further by donating a £5,000 to the charity. The European Diversity Awards will be taking place on Thursday 20 September. For more information about attending, entering or sponsoring the event, visit www.europeandiversityawards.com.
Content produced and controlled by Square Peg Media, supporter of the Diversity hub.
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