New to Sweden ’s Post

🌍 Today we tie in with our European friends, to unite and celebrate European Day of Solidarity between Generations! People around the world are coming together to reflect on the universal values of intergenerational solidarity and to recognise its importance in fostering stronger, more resilient communities worldwide. As Dubravka Suiza, European Commission Vice President, aptly states, “Solidarity and responsibility between generations make up the fabric that holds us together as societies and communities. It makes us stronger and more resilient, especially during trying times.” Regardless of our geographic location, solidarity between generations is a fundamental aspect of human society. It's about recognising the wisdom of older generations, the energy of youth, and the symbiotic relationship that exists between them. By embracing intergenerational solidarity, we create communities that are more inclusive, supportive, and capable of overcoming challenges together. So, let's take this day as an opportunity to celebrate the bonds that unite us across generations and continents. Whether you're in Europe or elsewhere, let's stand together in solidarity and commit to building a brighter future for all generations. #SolidarityBetweenGenerations #GlobalUnity #GIW24 #genconnectnz🌍

The Volt Europa Policy Team held a retreat in The Hague over the weekend. The fine weather was made warmer in the company of such smart and committed individuals. I'm happy to be part of this group. 🙂 Participation and inclusion is critical in an increasingly fragmented 😡 political landscape. In the EU especially, I'm not sure who knows what they are protecting or whom they are validating anymore. With each passing day the so-called rules-based order is collapsing under the weight of hateful rhetoric and double-standards. Choose equity. Choose joy. 💜 Think purple. When such a collection from across the EU gathers I am hopeful for the opportunity of a Federated Europe. 🇪🇺

Did you know that approximately 35% of people in Sweden are either foreign born or the child of someone foreign born? One of our goals here at New to Sweden is to make sure that absolutely everyone, no matter their background, feels more included. But what is inclusion, anyway? For us, inclusion means that every person in Sweden feels welcome, safe and free to be their authentic selves. In the workplace, it means knowing that they are part of a fair and equal hiring and progression process — that it’s a level playing field. But the truth is there’s no quick fix. Inclusion takes a sustained effort across many levels of society. And that’s why, since we started almost 4 years ago, New to Sweden has focused on 3 main pillars. 🟡 Internationals: We guide internationals in the Swedish labor market through training programs like Ready to Work. 🔵 Employers: We collaborate with employers to help them attract and retain people with different backgrounds. Our inclusion workshops have allowed us to work with companies like Google, Securitas, Nordea, SEB, and Vattenfall. 🟣 Communities: We engage with our local Swedish communities, like through the 1046 Inclusion Initiative. Our goal is to show people that Sweden’s diversity is more than just numbers and statistics. Inclusion matters for every one of us, and we want to help make sure we all feel welcomed and included in Sweden. Here’s to making progress together! #Inclusion #Inkludering #Sverige

#frontiertrails #GoBigOrStepAside #DreamTeamUSA #NorthernTransatlanticCollaborative In addition, multilateral approaches brings forth much more value than the often focused bilateral approaches . (Which is why my Nordic-U.S. activities have included other participants as well). And frankly, such an approach should not require that much more spending, if an effort is put into place for better collaboration and less duplication. Minimize waste and Double-Talk. (This is why it is important to utilize us folks from the Private Sector). Of course, and all participants to pay their fair share.

"Loneliness is a significant challenge in all the Nordic and Baltic countries, affecting both young and old. It can devastate the quality of life and even be fatal for those who suffer from it," says Jonas Keiding Lindholm, Impact Director at Mandag Morgen, as he opens a discussion on loneliness and inclusive design. 💡 How does inclusive design act as a powerful agent of social change? What are the thresholds? And where are we headed? 🗣️ On July 6th, the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture - NDPC joined forces with the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia and the Danish think tank Mandag Morgen at the #LAMPAfestival in Cesis (Latvia) to discuss the role and merits of inclusive design in preventing or combating loneliness and social exclusion.   The panel discussion touched upon:  • How do we create intergenerational meeting places where both young and old people can meet? • How could we bridge the disconnection and translate the concept into actionable policies and priorities? • Where do we see examples in Latvia that deserve some light?   Watch the full recording – available now! (in English) ➡ https://lnkd.in/dbxGzaNM   Anna Žabicka Baiba Baikovska Barbara Abele dace resele

While the Roma community is often associated with Europe, they are present globally and face similar issues of systemic discrimination, exclusion, and marginalization. These challenges are not confined to one region but are pervasive worldwide. Despite various initiatives, European organizations have made limited progress in addressing these issues. The reason is clear: tackling systemic problems requires a unified, global approach. Isolated efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, fall short when the root causes of discrimination and exclusion are deeply entrenched and widespread. It's time for a paradigm shift. European organizations must collaborate with global counterparts, sharing strategies, resources, and best practices. Only through a united front can we hope to dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder the Roma community's progress. Global solidarity is crucial. By recognizing that Roma issues are universal, we can create a stronger, more effective movement. Together, we can push for policies that promote inclusion, equality, and justice for all Roma people, no matter where they live. Let's unite globally to make real, lasting change.

Important point to end the week: I didn’t make it to Budapest for the Hungarian Presidency conferences this week (we had our #CCIAeurope anniversary) but I’ve seen pictures of #Manels (panel with only men). Many manels. Large manels. Multiple manels. An eight man manel… does that sound a bit dirty? So this is just a call to remember to not do that. For organisers and for speakers. I know sometimes it’s tricky if all the experts you invite are specific people on post, and either say yes or send only men. We’ve been there as organisers and I’ve been there as a speaker. But we can do better and I am 100% certain there were brilliant women in those audiences this week who could have been up there on stage too. So this is a call to my fellow men and manellists to ask #organisers to do better and to occasionally step back or ask a colleague to take your place. Image obviously generated to make a point. But we do all wear those blue and grey suits… #personalreflection #publicspeaking #representation #equality #allyship #fairness

Finland. Wake up. Every year in Finland, a young woman is chosen to wear a wreath of live candles in a ceremony held at Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral. This year, Daniela Owusu was selected as the Lucia Maiden through a public vote. Since her selection, she has received thousands of threats and inappropriate comments, solely because she does not fit the racist stereotype of what a Lucia Maiden “should” look like. Ironically, if St. Lucy—the inspiration for the Lucia Maiden—ever existed, she most likely was not white. Finland prides itself on being a country built on equality and education. Yet, we find ourselves succumbing to intolerance and idiocracy. Racism has no place in any society or institution. Yet it persists, infiltrating workplaces, schools, and even the Finnish Parliament. This isn’t just an issue for those directly affected—it harms all of Finland. As an aging nation, we urgently need to attract and retain foreign talent. But who would want to come to a country that doesn’t even embrace its own citizens? Let alone stay here. If we want to keep the lights on, or even have candles burning faintly in Finland, we must stop this. #finland #diversity #equality #stopracism

🌟 Champions of Change - The Spotlight Series! 🌟   I first met Merima Mahmutovic through the fantastic European Women Payments Network (EWPN), where we co-led the organisation of the EWPN annual event in Vienna last year, attended by over 300 women and allies - What an incredible experience it was! Merima's passion for finance and diversity and inclusion is truly inspiring. She dreams big and makes those dreams a reality, driving change not only in the industry but also in her home country, Bosnia & Herzegovina.   This year, Merima led a SEE regional event that brought together key players and influencers to discuss important topics and champion change. Her dedication to making a difference is a testament to the power of dreaming big and taking action.   🌐 What is the message here? In the words of Walt Disney, "If you can dream it, you can do it." Too often, we limit ourselves with beliefs about what we can achieve. But I say; "shoot for the moon, even if you miss it, you'll land among the stars". Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.   ⭐ Call to Action: What dream are you going to start putting into action this week?   👉 Note: if you are interested in being involved in this year's EWPN annual event, we are holding this in hubs across Europe and there are speaking and sponsorship opportunities available - please contact events@ewpn.eu   Join the revolution... #ChampionOfChange #Inspiration #DiversityAndInclusion #Finance #Leadership #DreamBig   (Quote: Norman Vincent Peale)

It is time to recognise the efforts that youth champions and community champions make to bring UK and EU citizens and youth closer together