The European Investment Bank (EIB) has become the first Multilateral Development Bank member of the world’s biggest community for disability business inclusion.

EIB’s President, Werner Hoyer, has signed The Valuable 500 Commitment, meaning the bank has pledged to put disability inclusion “on its institutional agenda.”

Guided by The Valuable 500, the largest community of Global CEOs committed to disability inclusion in business, the bank will continue to adapt its recruitment processes, IT and facility management, among other practices, to achieve disability inclusion. The EIB will intensify its awareness-raising efforts to increase understanding and individual engagement on disability inclusion among its staff and to strengthen its approach to disability inclusion in its investment operations.

As part of its commitment, the bank will also reinforce its ongoing activities for disability inclusion and set up new initiatives aimed at ensuring “continuous and open dialogue between employees living with disabilities and the institution, notably through a newly established network of EIB managers who are motivated to work together on disability inclusion.”

Since its launch in 2017, The Valuable 500 has managed to persuade 500 multinational companies to make a public commitment to disability inclusion within their organisations. The Valuable 500 is the brainchild of social entrepreneur and activist Caroline Casey, who announced its launch at One Young World in Bogota, Colombia, which is part of a series of events where young leaders discuss solutions to global problems.

EIB President Werner Hoyer said: “Over 1.3 billion people around the world live with some form of disability. Yet only 4% of organisations focus on making their business inclusive of disability. I am delighted and proud that the EIB has joined The Valuable 500. Together with other 499 national and multinational organisations worldwide, we have the power to positively impact society by putting disability at the heart of our inclusion agenda. Driving positive social change is in the DNA of the EIB, also through disability inclusion, both in-house and externally, in the way we select, guide and manage our operations”.

Thomas ÖSTROS, EIB Vice-President, having diversity and inclusion in his oversight, added: “A diverse and inclusive workplace is the key to having higher-performing colleagues, more innovative solutions, and greater motivation and engagement. As the bank of the European Union, we are committed to the EU’s objectives and values. We aspire to live up to one of its founding principles: ‘United in diversity’, notably through our holistic approach to diversity and inclusion. The Valuable 500 is a great opportunity for us to exchange with and learn from our peers to make sure that the EIB is fully inclusive as an employer and financial partner.”

Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500, said: “I am delighted that the European Investment Bank has joined The Valuable 500 as our newest member, and welcome their commitment to putting disability inclusion firmly on their board agenda. The EIB has incredible influence and reach. Its public commitment to making the workplace more inclusive for people with disabilities is an important step towards creating better workplaces for all. We greatly look forward to working together as we enter phase two of The Valuable 500 campaign, activating our network of 500 major companies to advance disability inclusion for everyone worldwide.”