“Diversity is a strength, and it is essential that we continuously foster supportive and healthy work environments free from discrimination, grounded in respect for human rights and the principles of equality,” emphasized the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, on the occasion of the kick-off of the project “Advancing Workplace Equality – A Joint Initiative for Workplace Equality.”

The Partnership for Equality Charter was signed today with the Commissioner by Daniela Funke, Director of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Serbia; Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Sector for Strategic Analyses, Services, and Internationalization of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce; and Milan Grujić, President of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce. This marked the official kick-off of the project “Advancing Workplace Equality – A Joint Initiative for Workplace Equality,” implemented in Serbia as part of the “Initiative for Global Solidarity” by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The project will focus on expanding the network of companies and strengthening their capacities through the Partnership for Equality, an initiative launched by the Commissioner in 2017. At regional meetings and workshops with employers, the revised and updated guidelines for developing anti-discrimination policies for employers in Serbia – the so-called Equality Code – will be presented. These serve as an effective internal mechanism for identifying and preventing potential cases of workplace discrimination.

These events will also provide opportunities for companies to enhance their knowledge of discrimination prevention and protection, familiarize themselves with new regulations, and learn about best practices. The goal is to ensure equal opportunities for professional development and a dignified livelihood for all employees.

The signatories of the Charter emphasized the importance of promoting a business environment free from discrimination, where everyone is treated equally, mutual trust is built, and collaboration is founded on mutual respect, thereby motivating entire teams to work toward common goals.