Dublin City launches Charter of Inclusion

Dublin City Council has launched its Charter of Inclusion.

The council said the “visionary initiative” is aimed at fostering belonging, unity, and equality in Dublin.

“The charter, developed together with Common Purpose and EY Ireland, represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable city for all,” they said.

“Dublin, with its rich history and diverse population, has always been a city of inclusivity and warmth. Yet, we recognise that there is always more work to be done when it comes to the lived experience of the Céad Míle Fáilte,” a statement read.

“In today’s rapidly changing world, the imperative for inclusion has never been more urgent. It is not enough to pay lip service to diversity; we must actively work to dismantle barriers, challenge biases, and create opportunities for all.”

The charter “reflects the voices, experiences, and aspirations from every corner of our city where each perspective has been carefully considered and integrated into our charter for a more inclusive Dublin.”

“Over the course of a two-day workshop, these impassioned change-makers came together to co-create a document that reflects the rich tapestry of Dublin’s multicultural landscape.”

At the heart of the Charter of Inclusion are core values that resonate deeply with Dublin’s spirit: belonging, common humanity, dignity and respect, equality of opportunity, communal accountability, freedom, accessibility, safety, and safeguarding.

These principles serve as guiding beacons, illuminating the path towards a city where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive and sets of associated behaviours are listed alongside.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste expressed his enthusiasm for the charter, saying, “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to building a Dublin that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusion, and upholds the inherent dignity of every resident. The Charter of Inclusion is a testament to our collective vision for a city where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has equal access to opportunities for growth and success. I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to this endeavour. Their passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in the potential of our city has been the driving force behind this work.”

Dara Connolly, representing Common Purpose, emphasised the transformative power of inclusivity, remarking, “Common Purpose Ireland delivers transformative leadership experiences for individuals and organisations who want to make a difference in their worlds, and the world around them and we were delighted to facilitate the delivery of this charter of inclusion as part of the journey towards building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Melissa Bosch, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead at EY Ireland, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change, stating, “The Charter of Inclusion is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose. EY Ireland is proud to support this initiative and remains committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our organisation and throughout the communities we serve in Dublin, on the island of Ireland and beyond.”