As part of ongoing efforts to foster more inclusive and fair societies in Europe, the European Commission organized the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award. The initiative complements the annual European Diversity Month in May, which raises awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and across our societies.

The European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award is open to all local authorities in the EU who are building fairer societies by promoting diversity and inclusion in terms of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, LGBTIQ identity. It is an opportunity for a town, city, or region to get the recognition it deserves for building an environment that allows everyone to feel safe and fulfil their potential. There are two main categories - local authorities with less than 50 000 inhabitants and local authorities with more than 50 000 inhabitants. This year there was a specific award for local authorities enabling safe towns, cities and regions for women in all their diversity, by addressing violence against women. See the winners of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards 2024.

The Award ceremony in Brussels on 25 April was officially opened by Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality. It was followed by Diversity Month opening event and a best practice sharing and networking event for local authorities, civil society organisations and business. Master classes on how to approach D&I through an intersectional lens and how to measure the impact of diversity and inclusion engaged the participants.

Maria Petkova, director of Tulip Foundation and Vice President of AGE Platform Europe was member of both the General Award Jury and the Special Award Jury.