Free
The "The Future Needs Diversity" initiative hosts the Change Lunch twice a year—a networking event for CEOs, next-gen leaders, and interested employees that focuses on one of the seven diversity dimensions outlined in the Diversity Charter.
Participation is a fundamental right—it should be obvious. Companies bear the important responsibility of enabling participation in the workplace as well. Nevertheless, reality paints a different picture: According to the Inclusion Barometer Work 2025, the situation for people with visible and invisible disabilities in the labor market has continued to deteriorate. Especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, many legally mandated reserved positions remain unfilled. Why does inclusion succeed so rarely despite clear advantages and support? What is needed to bring about lasting change? Or to put it more pointedly: If inclusion is truly important to us, why don’t we simply implement it?
The next Change Lunch in the event series “ZUKUNFT braucht VIELFALT” (The Future Needs Diversity) will address these questions . The event invites participants to focus on inclusion as a central dimension of the working world and to discuss approaches for greater participation together.
OnWednesday, June 10, 2026, from12:30 to 2:30 p.m., people from companiesacrossthe region—from executives to rising talent, HR professionals to dedicated employees—to exchange ideas on diversity in the workplace, network, and find inspiration.Diversity thrives on perspectives—the event isparticularlyaimed at people with a connection to inclusion and anyone who wishes to promote a diverse, accessible work environment.
Focus: Inclusion in practice – what does it take for genuine participation?
In a keynote presentation, Gisela Rohde and Florian Heymann (Bund der Caritasstiftungen im Bistum Hildesheim gGmbH) will trace a person’s journey from a sheltered workshop to the general labor market—and offer insights into inclusion in action, the opportunities that arise, and the barriers that must be overcome. In addition, Sandra Gleue (Employment Promotion, Hanover Region) will present two projects designed to help more people with disabilities enter the labor market and to support companies in implementing inclusion.
Exchange over a shared lunch
Over a shared lunch, we invite you to delve deeper into the topics discussed, exchange your own experiences, and develop concrete ideas for workplace practice—all in a setting that speaks volumes about inclusion in action: the Inclusive Café Anna Blume.
Inclusive Culture Café Anna Blume at the Stöcken City Cemetery
Stöckener Str. 68, 30149 Hanover
Directions:The “Stadtfriedhof Stöcken” tram stop (lines 4 and 5) is accessible and located directly across from the main entrance to the Stöcken Cemetery, through which you can access the café. Ample parking is available. Access to the café is also accessible.
Participation is free of charge. Please register in advance by June 3, 2026.
If you have food intolerances or allergies, please contact us via email in addition to registering.
There will be no sign language interpreter on site. The keynote presentations will not be accompanied by presentation slides. There is no separate quiet room. Upon request, it is possible to sit on the edge of the group. There are no separate air filters in the room.
