FUTURE needs DIVERSITY Award presented for the first time

21.06.2024 - The three award winners were honored at the summer reception of the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency. A special award ceremony in the seal enclosure at Hannover Adventure Zoo followed by a celebration in the Jungle Palace.

Die Preisträger*innen mit Ulf-Birger Franz, Dezernent für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Bildung und Kultur, und Regionspräsident Steffen Krach. — The award winners with Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Transport, Education and Culture, and Regional President Steffen Krach.

Die Robbenshow im Erlebnis Zoo Hannover. — The seal show at Hannover Adventure Zoo.

An event with around 1,000 people from business, politics, culture and sport , an excellent atmosphere and great discussions - the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency's summer reception at Hannover Adventure Zoo has long been an established fixture in the annual calendar.

This year, the ZUKUNFT braucht VIELFALT award was presented for the first time. Companies were able to apply in three categories or nominate third parties who, in their opinion, deserve an award. The award is aimed at companies from the Hannover Region that stand out for their outstanding commitment to diversity. The three companies ultimately chosen by a seven-member jury each received 5,000 euros.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (10 to 249 employees in the Hannover Region): SKM GmbH, Isernhagen, manufacturer of switchgear and power distribution systems
Medium-sized companies (up to 499 employees in the Hannover Region): LPKF Laser & Electronics SE, specialist in laser material processing, Garbsen
Special Transformation Award: APS - Akademie für Pflege und Soziales GmbH, school for training and further education for healthcare professionals, Hanover

"My sincere thanks go to the three winners. They have already integrated diversity into their company in an outstanding way. I hope that their attitude and commitment will provide other companies with good examples that motivate them to follow suit. If we can achieve this, we will be on the right track."

Steffen Krach, President of the Region

Die Preisträger*innen mit Regionspräsident Steffen Krach und Ulf-Birger Franz, Dezernent für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Bildung und Kultur. — The award winners with Regional President Steffen Krach and Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of the Department for Economic Affairs, Transport, Education and Culture.

Companies and organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of diversity in their teams and working environments. Different cultural backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and skills can help to promote ideas, attract the attention of skilled workers to companies and increase the performance of companies. The aim of the ZUKUNFT braucht VIELFALT (FUTURE NEEDS DIVERSITY) initiative of the Hannover Region's Economic and Employment Promotion Agency is to draw companies' attention to existing support services, identify missing services and initiate them.

All information on the initiative and the award can be found at https://www.wirtschaftsfoerderung-hannover.de/de/Standort_und_Ansiedlung/Zukunft_braucht_Vielfalt/Zukunft_braucht_Vielfalt.php