Today, eight new organizations signed the Diversity Charter. By joining the charter, signatories publicly affirm that they respect human diversity and value the principle of equal treatment among their employees, partners, and clients. The activities of the Diversity Charter network are coordinated by the Estonian Human Rights Centre and supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
“At a time when diversity issues around the world are under pressure, we are especially glad that interest in joining the agreement has not diminished among Estonian organizations, and that the network’s diversity trainings remain extremely popular,” said Egert Rünne, Director of the Estonian Human Rights Centre. “Job seekers increasingly value work cultures built on mutual respect and equal treatment. It is encouraging to see employers embracing the same values.”
The list of new signatories was once again diverse, including representatives from both the public and private sectors. The new members are Elora, Feministeerium, Kohila Vineer, Nortal, Rush Street Interactive Development Estonia, Sanitex, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Finnish Institute in Estonia.
“With initiatives such as the Diversity Charter and the celebration of Diversity Day, we draw attention to important issues in our society that too often remain overlooked. Diversity is written into Nortal’s DNA, as we operate internationally across the globe – in the Middle East, Europe, North America and, as of this autumn, also in South America. I firmly believe that diversity within an organization begins with its leaders and leadership culture, which shapes the organizational culture, HR strategy, and everything else. It is therefore great to see that awareness of this topic is growing in Estonia and among the leadership of Estonian companies,” said Evelin Roasto, Nortal’s Chief People Officer.
According to Kelly Grossthal, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Estonian Human Rights Centre, the signatory organizations form a community united by shared values. In this network, which values human-centered work culture, members exchange experiences and work to advance equal treatment both within their own organizations and in society more broadly. With today’s new members, the network now includes 237 organizations.
The Estonian Diversity Charter is part of the European Diversity Platform, which brings together similar networks in 26 European countries. In Estonia, the charter has been signed since 2012.
More information: Kelly Grossthal, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Estonian Human Rights Centre (kelly.grossthal@humanrights.ee)
Photos: Kalev Lilleorg
The activities of the Estonian Human Rights Centre’s equal treatment and diversity and inclusion fields are supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
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