Speech by Commissioner Lahbib at the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award Ceremony

European Commission -Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Lahbib at the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award Ceremony Brussels, 29 April 2025 When a city embraces every voice, every story, every hope of its people — it doesn't just grow. It shines. It becomes a place bubbling with creativity, innovation, and prosperity. It is a real pleasure to be here today to honour the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity — a tribute to the heart, courage, and hard work of your communities. The belief that diversity is not a challenge to manage, but a treasure to celebrate. The European Commission stands proudly with you because the strength of Europe has always been its people — their dignity, their dreams, and yes, their differences. Even when those values come under attack, we stand firm because inclusion is not just the smart and human thing to do. It is the right thing to do for our future. When we embrace diversity and inclusion, we unlock the full potential of every person — their ideas and their unique talents. This makes our cities and societies stronger, smarter, and more successful. The facts back this up. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative, more productive, and more profitable than homogeneous teams. When we bring together people from different backgrounds and experiences, we create a richer and stronger fabric of ideas. This variety can help us to solve complex problems and achieve goals that we could...