The BBLF Responsible Business Community and the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) have created another valuable initiative of business and socially significant projects. The Diversity Charter is a voluntary commitment of a company or organization to create and implement a proactive policy to manage diversity and equal opportunities regardless of gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, religion or belief, race or ethnicity. The charter aims to encourage companies to recognize and use diversity among their employees, customers and partners.
The new project was officially presented on September 18, 2020 at the Hilton Hotel. The event was attended by honorary guests such as Levon Hampartzoumian, President of BBLF; Ruslan Stefanov, Director of CSD; Iravan Hira, Vice President of BBLF, as well as representatives of MLSP, the European Commission and Sofia Municipality. The founders of the Charter are 10 companies that are the most active members of BBLF, including Unique Estates, Astra Zeneca, Alaric, Japan Tobacco International, Ecopharm, M3 Communications Group, CEZ Bulgaria, Siemens, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, operated by Selectium, Shell. Milen Marinov, Legal Adviser at Unique Estates, said that the company is aware of its responsibility as the founder of the Charter for Diversity in Bulgaria and works according to its practices. We expect many socially responsible campaigns to join it!
With the joint project of BBLF and CSD, funded by the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Program (2014-2020) of the European Union, Bulgaria joins 24 other countries in the community, which have a national Charter for Diversity. In this way, our country will contribute to international efforts for more diversity and inclusion and less discrimination. The benefits of differences are particularly important in today's global competitive environment and in the current crisis situation, which requires adaptability, ingenuity and resilience. The Charter can be signed by commercial companies, institutions and civil society organizations in confirmation of their commitment to promote diversity in the labor market and to value diversity among their employees.