EGLCC - The European LGBTIQ Chamber of Commerce

We are in Brussels! ???? What a powerful start to the European Pride Business Network x EGLCC Institutional Visit—with a warm welcome from?Marc Angel, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and?Lukas Sieper, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup at the European Parliament. The first rounds of meetings are wrapped up, and we feel?energized and determined. Our message is clear: Corporates have long been champions of DEI but in today’s geopolitical climate, we cannot allow?decades of progress to be reversed. That’s why we are?uniting with our advocacy partners to collaborate?and do everything we can to ensure that?LGBTIQ rights and inclusion in business and workplaces remain at the core of Europe’s future. Buzzwords come and go, but?the DEI principles are here to stay. The data speaks loud and clear: ? Open and inclusive markets?drive innovation ? A diverse supplier base?boosts economic resilience and?competitiveness ??Inclusive workplaces are key to attracting top talent, improving employee engagement, and fostering a culture of?innovation and respect. Being in Brussels gives us the opportunity to engage directly with EU institutions that shape policies and regulations impacting the rights of LGBTIQ people. We’re here to share informed opinions, data, and proposals aimed at strengthening these policies. Especially with the new European LGBTIQ Strategy in progress, it’s crucial to focus on this area. Matthias Weber, leading the Institutional Visit on behalf of EPBN alongside Pavel Subrt, (EGLCC, East meets West), Lucia Urciuoli, Mario Di Carlo, Angelo Caltagirone, Tommaso Scalzi (Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change), Christophe Margaine and Olivier Li 李捷 (FGLBC by L'Autre Cercle), and Alejandro Betancor, Ph.D. (network – Gay Leadership, EPBN) are gearing up for another round of impactful meetings! ?? #LGBTInclusion #DiversityandInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #LGBTBusiness #EuropeanParliament #AdvocacyinAction BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber, GGLBC, REDI.LGBTI, Scandinavian LGBT Chamber of Commerce (SGLCC), AGPRO - Austrian Gay Professionals, Legebitra, QBW* - Queer Business Women*, V?lklinger Kreis e.V., Wirtschaftsweiber e. V., WyberNet, Pride Business Forum, Znaki Równo?ci, WeAreOpen - Nyitottak vagyunk, Workplace Pride, Work It OUT, ?avaria

Ladies, tomorrow is your day!??? On March 8, we celebrate you, all women, regardless of your sexual orientation, gender expression, age, race, religion, body shape, body size, or any societal expectations placed upon you. Your contributions are irreplaceable. Dear ladies, thank you for being you; unapologetically and authentically you. ? #womanempowerment #diversityandinclusion #lgbtqinclusion #womeninbusiness BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber, Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change, East meets West, GGLBC, FGLBC by L'Autre Cercle, REDI.LGBTI, Scandinavian LGBT Chamber of Commerce (SGLCC)

An overview of our institutional visit to Brussels ???? Together with the European Pride Business Network, we recently completed a successful institutional visit to Brussels. As the development of the new EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy progresses, our discussions focused on strengthening policies that foster diversity, inclusion, and innovation in businesses, supply chains, and workplaces. LGBTIQ entrepreneurs and employees face unique challenges, and it’s crucial to create an environment that honors their full potential. Key takeaways from the visit: ? Integrating LGBTIQ-owned businesses supports a competitive single market. ? Strengthened inclusive policies in the workplace drive innovation and talent retention. ? Managing discrimination, AI bias, and intersectional oppression helps build an inclusive and resilient EU economy. ? Continued collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and civil society is essential for driving meaningful change. ???? Special appreciation goes to all our partners for taking the time to hold these impactful meetings with us and for your unwavering support. We are committed to continuing the conversation and driving meaningful change together! #LGBTInclusion #DiversityandInclusion #InclusiveProcurement #LGBTBusiness #InclusiveWorkplace #AdvocacyinAction Matthias Weber, Pavel Subrt, Lucia Urciuoli, Mario Di Carlo, Angelo Caltagirone, Tommaso Scalzi, Christophe Margaine, Olivier Li 李捷, Alejandro Betancor, PhD, BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber, Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change, East meets West, GGLBC, REDI.LGBTI, Scandinavian LGBT Chamber of Commerce (SGLCC), AGPRO - Austrian Gay Professionals, Legebitra, QBW* - Queer Business Women*, V?lklinger Kreis e.V., Wirtschaftsweiber e. V., WyberNet, Pride Business Forum, Znaki Równo?ci, WeAreOpen - Nyitottak vagyunk, Workplace Pride, Work It OUT, ?avaria

Why Inclusive Supply Chains Matter in 2025 ?? [Article in the Comments] Despite the recent backlash against DEI, inclusivity continues to be at the core of the transformation of supply chains. KPMG's latest insights on six supply chain trends to watch in 2025 highlight key areas aligning with inclusivity and diversity: ?? ESG & Scope 3 Emissions – Prioritizing environmental and social responsibility presents opportunities to embed diversity in supplier selection. ?? Risk & Resilience – A diverse supplier base strengthens resilience by reducing over-reliance on limited sources. ?? Strategic Partnerships – Reimagining supply chains opens doors for minority-owned and underrepresented businesses. We've seen shifts in terminology amidst rapid geopolitical changes over and over again. While the article doesn’t explicitly mention inclusivity, these trends silently reinforce its irreplaceability—creating more equitable, resilient, and future-ready supply chains. What are your predictions for embracing inclusivity in supply chain strategy in the EU? Let’s discuss! ?? #inclusiveprocurement #corporateresponsibility #lgbtcommunity #DiversityandInclusion #procurementleaders

EGLCC at ITB Berlin LGBTIQ Tourism ?? Are you in Berlin next week? Join us at the panel?discussion ???????????????? ???????????????????? ???? ???????????? ?????????????????? ???? ?????? ???????????????? ??????????????????????, moderated by our Co-founder?Pavel Subrt. ???Date:?Thursday, March 6 | 02:45 - 03:45 PM ???Venue:?ITB Berlin – LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion, Hall 4.1 As the business world evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities for?LGBTIQ inclusion. This expert panel will dive into the latest trends, best practices, and actionable strategies, featuring insights from: ?? Scott W. Thornburg, Marketing & Communications Director, Sojern ?? Javier Leonor, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant & Volunteer ?? Annette Pampel, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant ?? Roman Samotny, Head of Communication, Iniciatíva Inakos? About ITB Berlin ??? ?? As the?world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin brings together professionals from around the globe to discuss the future of tourism, business, and inclusivity. ???Register here: https://lnkd.in/eq3hKTRn #LGBTQInclusion #DiversityMatters #inclusivesupplychain #lgbtcommunity #LGBTQTourism GGLBC East meets West

Article Alert ?? [Link in the Comments] Read what our Co-founder,?Pavel Subrt, alongside fellow advocates?Mayank Shah (GSDA.global)?and?Claire Bosch Zuazo (Anthesis Group),?had to say about the ripple effect of U.S. policies on European supplier diversity programs. ???Key takeaway??While terminology may evolve, the principles of?Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are here to stay.?Inclusive supply chains are not just a trend—they are the future of business. We remain committed to advancing inclusive supply chains alongside our incredible partners MSDUK, ESDP, OutBritain, European Pride Business Network, WEConnect International in Europe, and many fellow advocacy bodies driving meaningful change! ???? It’s vital for Europe to continue charting its own path.?We call on European corporations to?take ownership of their inclusive supply chain strategies?rather than relying solely on U.S.-led DEI initiatives.?At the same time, we applaud leaders like?Jamie Dimon?and?JPMorganChase?for standing firm on their?$6.2 billion supplier diversity program, despite shareholder opposition. ?? And a big thank you to?Reuters Events Sustainable Business, Catherine Early, and Terry Slavin?for facilitating this important conversation! #DiversityandInclusion #procurementleaders #LGBTBusiness #InclusiveProcurement #diversebusiness

#AdvocacyinAction ???? The?EU institutions have long played a vital role in embedding?LGBTIQ inclusion into the core values of the European Union. In today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, this commitment is more crucial than ever. Civil society organizations across Europe are actively stepping up, and we are pleased to share that?European Pride Business Network and EGLCC are building on the momentum of their?first institutional visit to Brussels in 2023. We are heading back to?continue the dialogue, strengthen existing partnerships, and forge new alliances—as a united front with the shared mission of?advancing LGBTIQ inclusion in business and workplaces. We look forward to sharing more updates soon—stay tuned! ?? #LGBTInclusion #DiversityandInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #LGBTBusiness BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber, Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change, East meets West, FGLBC by L'Autre Cercle, GGLBC, REDI.LGBTI, Scandinavian LGBT Chamber of Commerce (SGLCC), AGPRO - Austrian Gay Professionals, Legebitra, network – Gay Leadership, QBW* - Queer Business Women*, V?lklinger Kreis e.V., Wirtschaftsweiber e. V., WyberNet, Pride Business Forum, Znaki Równo?ci, WeAreOpen - Nyitottak vagyunk, Workplace Pride, Work It OUT, ?avaria

It’s Podcast O’Clock!???? Join?Matt Skallerud?from #ILoveGay, Pink Media, as he sits down with?our Cofounders Pavel Subrt and Tobias Holfelt. What connects?EGLCC, declarations, Vienna, and Philadelphia??Tune in to find out! ?? In this episode, you’ll also discover: ?? The story behind?EGLCC ?? The role of our?regional chambers, BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber, Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change, East meets West, FGLBC by L'Autre Cercle, GGLBC, REDI.LGBTI, Scandinavian LGBT Chamber of Commerce (SGLCC)?in driving a meaningful change locally ???Perspectives on the DEI pushback:?Comparing US and EU ?? A sneak peek into?our 2025 plans, and more! Don’t miss out, the link to the full interview is in the comment section.??? #DiversityandInclusion #LGBTBusiness #OutandProud #LGBTChamber

Greetings from sunny Vienna! ?? Last weekend was an incredibly productive one for the?EGLCC Board! The annual Board meeting took place in?Vienna—a city of deep significance, as it was right here that the idea of EGLCC was first ignited. ???? Over two days of?strategic discussions, led by?Pavel Subrt and Tobias Holfelt, we set our?goals for 2025?and refined our agenda to drive impactful action. The energy, commitment, and vision in the room were truly inspiring! Rooted in the principles of the?Vienna Declaration, which marked the birth of EGLCC, we firmly believe that?empowering the LGBTIQ entrepreneurial community?is key to shifting mindsets across Europe and beyond. By fostering a new generation of?successful LGBTIQ entrepreneurs, we are not just building businesses—we are cultivating?powerful role models?who drive lasting societal change. We’re excited for what’s ahead and?look forward to sharing our plans with you soon! Stay tuned, and let’s continue building a more inclusive and empowered business landscape together. ?? BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber, East meets West, Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change, FGLBC by L'Autre Cercle, GGLBC, REDI.LGBTI, Scandinavian LGBT Chamber of Commerce (SGLCC) #LGBTChamber #LGBTBusiness #DiverseLeadership #LGBTInclusion #RoleModel

2024: A Year in Review – 2025, We Are Ready! January always brings a moment to reflect on the progress made. As we look back on 2024, we see a year marked by strategic actions and developments, all preparing us to face the geopolitical and economic changes that 2025 is likely to bring. We also celebrated a key milestone—2,500+ engaged members in our LinkedIn community! Your unwavering support continues to drive us forward as we work to create a more inclusive and equitable business landscape. ?? A heartfelt thank you to all our corporate partners—Accenture, Johnson & Johnson, Dow, MSD, AUDI AG, Barilla Group, IBM, Intel Corporation, and JLL—for your continued commitment to our cause! ?? ?? As we step into 2025, we are ready to take action and weather any storm that may come our way. Together, we will continue to drive meaningful change! #lgbtiq #advocacyinaction #lgbtcommunity #LGBTChamber BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber, East meets West, Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change, GGLBC, REDI.LGBTI, Scandinavian LGBT Chamber of Commerce (SGLCC)