Discrimination in employment and in the workplace has for years been the most prevalent issue in our practice, which is why it is of crucial importance that we have the business community on the side of human rights and equality. This topic concerns each and every one of us because the right to dignified work without discrimination fundamentally affects the quality of citizens’ lives, business efficiency, and the development of society as a whole, emphasized Brankica Janković, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, on the occasion of the signing of the “Charter for Equality” between the Council of European Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce in Serbia (CEBAC) and the institution of the Commissioner.

Having employers who are ready to create a healthy, stimulating, and humane working atmosphere — an inclusive and fair working environment free from discrimination — contributes to mutual trust and to a business culture where everyone has the right to be valued based on their work and knowledge, added the Commissioner. Joining the Partnership for Equality signifies a shared commitment to the principles of equality and tolerance, as well as continuous efforts to understand and improve non-discriminatory business policies.   Since 2017, when the first Equality Code — guidelines for creating employers’ anti-discrimination policies — was developed, hundreds of companies have joined our partnership, thereby demonstrating the business community’s commitment to improving the business environment.

The Charter was today signed on behalf of CEBAC by Sanja Ivanić, the Secretary General of the Council, who noted that they represent over 2,000 companies that confirm their dedication to anti-discrimination policies and to the application of ESG principles, which involve sustainable business practices and social responsibility.

Speakers at the event included Wouter van Houwelingen, President of the Belgian-Serbian Business Association; Hugo van Veghel, President of the Dutch-Serbian Business Association; and Dragan Stokić, President of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce. CEBAC’s members also include the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Confindustria Serbia – Italian Business Association, the Croatian Business Club, the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, the Nordic Business Alliance, the Polish-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Slovenian Business Club, the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy, and the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce.

Our partnership is not merely formal — it represents a platform for real change, because the success of a company cannot be measured solely by financial results but also by its responsibility toward employees, society, and universal values, Janković concluded.