Pride
This week is Copenhagen Pride week. Diversity and divergence improve our ability to solve the University's core tasks, writes Prorector Bente Merete Stallknecht
This is the week of Copenhagen Pride 2020. The coronavirus has put a stop to the physical parade where, last year, 35,000 people created a fantastic atmosphere in the streets from Frederiksberg to the City Hall Square. However, the rainbow flag is still flying over Copenhagen in the week of the year when we pay tribute to diversity and put inclusion, gender equality and diversity on the agenda.
At the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), we have hoisted the rainbow flag. Room for divergence. Room to think freely. These are some of the University's cornerstones - our DNA - when we work to produce new knowledge and new insights to the benefit of society.
If there is no acceptance of divergence, we can't look at a problem from different angles. If we don't accommodate diversity, we curtail our efforts to generate solutions, think freely or create innovative products that make our world richer, smarter or more sustainable. In short, diversity and divergence improve our ability to solve the University's core tasks.
That's why we have the rainbow flag flying over all of the University's campuses, and why we have put an increased focus on gender equality and diversity as a strategic goal and as professed values at UCPH. A goal we continuously strive to manifest in everyday life at the University.
A year ago, UCPH employees set up an LGBTQIA+ network that works to enhance diversity at UCPH. In the University's Management, we seek to learn best practices from other universities, organisations and companies, and I'm looking forward to discussing with my colleagues how UCPH can work with diversity more tangibly - including LGBT+. I'm particularly looking forward to having intentions, words and initiatives out and alive among staff and students as concrete actions in everyday life.
The tribute and attention being paid to diversity and gender equality during the Copenhagen Pride Week should not only be seen and felt one week a year. On the contrary, we need to use the rest of the year to create a university that attracts the brightest and most talented students and staff - no matter their personal background. Then we can create a culture where everyone is treated equally and where diversity and divergence are seen as strengths.
Enjoy the Copenhagen Pride!
