This week, representatives of the nine partner universities of the European University Alliance NEOLAiA met in Ostrava (Czech Republic) – including representatives of Bielefeld University. One of the highlights in Ostrava was the signing of the D&I NEOcharter. The NEOLAiA work package on diversity and inclusion, which is coordinated by Bielefeld University, developed, promoted and implemented the charter in coordination with the European partners. With the D&I NEOcharter, the first charter within the alliance was signed by all rectors – Rector Professor Dr Angelika Epple and Professor Dr Michaela Vogt signed on behalf of Bielefeld University as head of the work package on diversity and inclusion within NEOLAiA.
With the signing of the D&I NEOcharter for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I NEOcharter), the European University Alliance has reached an important milestone: it is an innovative guideline that reaffirms the Alliance’s joint commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. The D&I NEOcharter outlines core principles and practical commitments that guide NEOLAiA universities in creating an environment in which students and staff of all backgrounds can thrive. By signing the D&I NEOcharter, all members of the Alliance commit to aligning their approach to inclusion, equality and diversity with the Framework Charter. This also includes impulses for the conceptualisation of action plans at NEOLAiA universities.
© NEOLAiA / Jesus Bonilla Herrera
© NEOLAiA / Gina Zdanaviciene
© NEOLAiA / Gina Zdanaviciene
The international working group led by Bielefeld Professor Dr Michaela Vogt – who is also Bielefeld University’s Vice Rector for International Affairs, Diversity and Society – and co-leader Dr Amelie Labusch have played a leading role in driving forward the implementation of the D&I NEOcharter. A key success factor in the development of the D&I NEOcharter was the massive support from Bielefeld University’s experts in the fields of diversity, equality and inclusion. With their expertise, they have accompanied the D&I NEOcharter from the very beginning, helped to get it off the ground and repeatedly readjusted it. The signing in Ostrava was the ceremonial highlight of this project: “The charter is a concrete example of what we are achieving with NEOLAiA as a community of European universities,” said Professor Dr Michaela Vogt after the official signing.
The NEOLAiA event at the University of Ostrava from 13 to 15 May was attended by representatives of the Governing Board, the Steering Committee, the Executive Committee and the Student Advisory Group, as well as various delegates from the new European universities. Also in attendance: the External Advisory Board and regional representatives. The programme included strategic discussions focusing on the current and future activities of NEOLAiA.
