Aims and Objectives

The Centre of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI)’s main objective is to promote a culture of inclusion, equity, and pluralism, which promotes gender mainstreaming, respects diversity, and maintains a working, learning, and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all university staff, faculty, and students are respected, while promulgating these values within the broader social context. Moreover, CEDI aims at recognising and respecting the core values and multiple identities of each individual and the diversity among groups. It is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, where every person will feel welcome, worthy, and supported in their pursuits.

In pursuing such goals, CEDI is to conduct high-quality research, policy-related, as well as planned public event activities, focusing on topics related to gender mainstreaming, equity, and diversity, among others. As such, CEDI also sets to fill any gaps vis-à-vis the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with specific reference to the following Goals:

  • Goal 4: Quality Education – To integrate our values into our learning and teaching
  • Goal 5: Gender Equality – To break down the ceiling and overcome constructed gender boundaries and discriminatory norms
  • Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – To increase opportunities for all by diminishing structural inequality
  • Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – To provide justice for all

Members of the proposed research centre already have adequate experience in formulating policy, research, and preparing relevant desk work. It should be emphasised that the work conducted at CEDI remains interdisciplinary. These individuals have also served as members (including board members) of national and European professional bodies in their own respective field.

In broader terms, CEDI’s work and related research will focus on the following topics:

  • To prepare and communicate a Strategy for equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • To coordinate the development of a University policy on equality and inclusion and support the development of an action plan with concrete steps to promote equality, respect for diversity, and inclusion
  • To ensure compliance of the University’s procedures and in matters related to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • To oversee the formation of groups, in relation to the thematic areas of CEDI, including but not limited to areas such as:
    • Gender mainstreaming
    • Equity mechanisms at the workplace / research / teaching environment
    • Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework
  • To provide information and training to members of the University community on issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to map the needs of the community in terms of training and information
  • To collaborate with civil society actors (including NGOs and national/regional/international Networks), both within and outside the University, for the development of actions/activities
  • To maintain an electronic archive of relevant government and European directives on equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as related University policies.
  • To prepare research proposals on issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion that concern the University community, but also society at large.
  • To organize / coordinate activities and events that aim to promote and disseminate the values that govern the University in matters of equality, respect for diversity, inclusion, and human rights.