Brussels has been awarded the second prize for 'European Capital of Inclusion and Diversity' by the European Commission on Thursday, which showcases what cities can do to achieve equality, inclusion and diversity.
The award was presented to Brussels State Secretary for Equal Opportunities Nawal Ben Hamou, on behalf of the Brussels regional government.
"Out of 74 applications from all over the European Union, the fact that Brussels receives this award is giving recognition and visibility to the exceptional work we have done since 2019," Ben Hamou said.
"For the first time, the Brussels-Capital Region sees equal opportunities as a flagship and intersectional competence. This is bearing fruit with six action plans that focus on the main forms of discrimination experienced in Brussels," she added.
For the second year in a row, European local authorities responded to the Commission's call for the award by presenting their policies, plans and initiatives to support inclusion and diversity.
Brussels received the second prize for cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants from European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli during an opening ceremony for the European Month of Diversity 2023 on Thursday.
The city chose to apply an intersectional, integrated and preventive approach to equal opportunities, which applies to all public policies and aims not to create or reinforce existing inequalities, Ben Hamou explained.
Since the end of 2022, Brussels has had six action plans: to combat violence against women, support for single parenthood, inclusion of LGBTQ people, the fight against racism, for equality between women and men, and a plan to better include people with disabilities.
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“The European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award gives recognition and visibility to the outstanding work of local authorities that can become an inspiration to others," said Dalli.
"Cities and local communities play a key role in the promotion of diversity and inclusion by creating safe, welcoming and hospitable places for residents to live and thrive in," she added. "By building inclusive communities – at town, city and regional levels – we can build a true Union of Equality in Europe."
The award is one of the deliverables of the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan and LGBTQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025, and shows how action at all levels is essential to turn the tide.
