The Romanian Chamber of Commerce for Diversity and the Swedish Embassy join forces to support Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce and the Embassy of Sweden in Romania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to set out the framework for their cooperation in promoting equality, diversity & inclusion in Romania.

The RDCC and the Embassy plan to participate in joint activities, share information and learning and build cultural awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Ambassador Therese Hydén commented, “The Swedish Embassy is excited to join the efforts already started by the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce, to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in companies and institutions in Romania. The RDCC represents a new and innovative way of advancing institutional, economic and professional opportunities from groups that have traditionally been marginalized and are facing prejudice and discrimination.”

Together, the RDCC and the Embassy will also facilitate business partnerships between entities in respect of embracing a more diverse and inclusive workforce to better serve the population, as well as implement initiatives of mutual benefit related to equality, diversity and inclusion.

RDCC President and Dentons Managing Partner Perry Zizzi stated, “This is an important moment in the life of our newly established organization. The Swedish Embassy’s vote of confidence in us will be a crucial support for our mission and we hope it will be a catalyst to further increase our membership, as well as strategic partnerships with other organizations.”

Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the RDDC has been actively organizing online events and activities for stakeholders and interested parties. The next virtual event will take place on 28 June and will focus on diversity in emerging markets as its flagship event for celebrating Pride Month 2021.

The Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce, the first of its kind in the world, was established in Romania at the end of 2020, with the main goal of promoting the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in the country's business community. Founding members of the Chamber are Accenture, Dentons, IKEA, ING Bank, Kaufland, Mega Image, Raiffeisen Bank, Vodafone and the NGO "Orasul Meu, Culorile Mele". Other members include Accept, DIAGEO, Dow Chemicals, GKN Fokker Engineering, Netherlands-Romanian Chamber of Commerce, Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI) and Visa, with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as an honorary member.