3 June 2020

Workplace Pride member AkzoNobel, has reaffirmed their commitment to LGBTI inclusion at work by signing the Declaration of Amsterdam. The Declaration is a 10 point action plan, created by the Foundation in 2011, which outlines the responsibilities of employers as well as employees to create work environments where LGBT people can truly be themselves. 

The signing took place yesterday, June 2nd at the start of the Pride Month celebrations around the world. Given the ongoing challenges surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic, AkzoNobel has created a unique way to honour the spirit of pride month by an initiative called “Pass the Pride”.  By sharing videos and statements in a very structured and far-reaching way, the company wants to highlight how important this month has become for both LGBT employees and their allies. 

Signing the Declaration on behalf of of AkzoNobel was their CEO Thierry Vanlancker, who pointed out how important it was that everyone could be themselves at the company. He was joined by David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride who said: 

“We applaud this type of visible commitment for our community who, due to the very unusual circumstances that we are all living through, can become even more marginalised, alone and vulnerable. Support from the highest levels like this is a boost of confidence for all of us”. 

Please join us and all members of Workplace Pride to congratulate AkzoNobel on the courage to take the step.