Nearly two hundred people made the trip to Brussels European Parliament buildings to celebrate the launch of the second inaugural European Diversity Awards on Thursday 26 April, sponsored by global brand Google and Royal Bank of Scotland.
 
BBC news presenter Jane Hill introduced guest speaker Michael Cashman MEP, who has been an avid supporter of the awards since the beginning. The European Parliament representative spoke about how integral the awards have become in the push to promote equality for all, and whilst the awards were a huge success in their first year, they have become vital in recognising the good work done by many amongst minority groups. Senior Policy Adviser at the Government Equalities Office and last year’s winner of the Campaigner of the Year Award, Barbara Lindsay, then took to the stage, followed by Dana Trama-Zada, who represented the European Commission.
 
The speeches concluded with key sponsors, Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe, Head of Diversity at Google and the chief executive of corporate banking at Royal Bank of Scotland, Chris Sullivan.

"To be present at the European Parliament for the launch of this year's awards was an awe inspiring experience, one at which I believe we witnessed a seminal moment in the history of diversity and inclusion, for this was the first time that corporates; NGOs; campaigners and the European Parliament have come together around the common cause of diversity." Palmer-Edgecumbe continued: "My hope now is that everyone involved can build on this momentum, that everyone who is delivering great work on diversity will apply to the awards and that the awards will become a powerful driver of change across Europe."

Sullivan added: "The number of well known businesses and institutions who are now physically involved points to a near term future where mindless discrimination on irrelevant characteristics will no longer be a barrier to our societies.

So many people doing so much positive activity and coming together to recognise the very best practices across Europe is an incredibly powerful message."

Michael Cashman said "The European Diversity Awards are a brilliant reminder of how much we have achieved and how we still have so much more to do to achieve respect for and the protection of diversity. The launch in the European Parliament signifies the importance that we in the Parliament attach to these awards and the countless individuals, NGO's, and corporations engaged in the ongoing quest for equality."
 
Guests included Coronation Streets’ Charlie Condou and Time Out’s Paul Burston. Linda Riley, managing director of Square Peg Media – organisers  of the event, said: “The first awards was an amazing event, this year we aim to build on the previous success. Grass root organisations and charities that support the various strands of diversity should be recognised, and this year we hope to offer more seats at the awards for the people who are making a difference.”
 
The European Diversity Awards will be taking place on Thursday 20 September. For more information about attending or sponsoring the event, visit www.europeandiversityawards.com

Societe Generale announced, at the launch of the EDA Awards in Brussels, that they will be awarding the winner of the Charity of the year award the sum of £5,000 for use in their good work.