Dear colleagues and friends at BOKU,

Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Coordination Office for Gender Equality, Diversity, and Disability!

Two decades ago, coordination offices were established as separate organizational units at universities. Combining scientific expertise and organizational gender equality work in this way was very far-sighted and wise. Many times, the employees will have felt like “annoying reminders” in their work—I can only hope that this role was also fun from time to time! Today, your work is more relevant and courageous than ever: diversity and equality are not a given, but must be constantly defended and shaped—especially in light of current developments on the world stage.

A critical look at the United States or our neighbor Hungary shows that the protection of democratic values and academic freedom cannot be taken for granted. Restrictions on academic freedom, political pressure on equality offices, open attacks on diversity—these are all alarming developments that should shake us awake. They show how quickly things we took for granted can be shaken.

What can we learn from this for the next twenty years? In any case, it is important to resolutely defend the principles of equal treatment in national and international law, as well as our democratic and humanistic convictions, against anti-democratic and backward-looking tendencies. The opportunity lies in strengthening our commitment, mobilizing our allies, and standing up even more strongly for a climate of inclusion and respect.

And one thing remains: our work will only become superfluous when the equality of all people and the protection of democratic values are ingrained in all of us! Perhaps it's a bit like brushing your teeth: only when we do it automatically and without thinking about it will we have achieved our goal. Until then, we need minds, hearts – and a coordination office that helps shape the university with a keen eye, commitment, and vision.

Congratulations and keep up the good work—here's to the next 20 years of active, collaborative work for greater equality, diversity, and strong, democratic science!

Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner

 

 

  • [Translate to English:] Foto von Misnisterin Eva Maria Holzleitner

 

Twenty years of the Coordination Office means twenty years of commitment to diversity, equal opportunities, and participation. However, equality is not a completed process, but an ongoing task. As Rector of BOKU, I see it as our shared responsibility to continue breaking down existing barriers and creating new spaces for diversity. I invite all members of our university to actively help shape this path.

Rector Eva Schulev-Steindl

 

 

Despite much progress, gender inequalities and other forms of exclusion still exist. Overcoming these is a key concern for me—not only in terms of BOKU's strength and fairness, but also in terms of achieving its sustainability goals. The major ecological challenges of our time, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security, cannot be overcome without justice. The basic prerequisites for this are inclusion and equal opportunities.

I am delighted that for two decades, the Coordination Office has been making a significant contribution to leading BOKU beyond good intentions to real change through visibility, mentoring, and clear structures. Its true legacy, however, will be a future in which such an institution is superfluous, as equality and inclusion are taken for granted. Until then, its work remains indispensable and deserves recognition and support.

Michaela Zint, University Council member

 

 

For 20 years now, the BOKU Student Union has been a driving and inspiring force for an open, diverse, and fair university culture. This is something that should be celebrated and upheld, especially in times like these.

Michaela Krömer, University Council member

 

 

The last 20 years have impressively demonstrated how important and valuable the work of the Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity, and Disability is. With great commitment, it has helped to break down barriers, raise awareness, and achieve concrete improvements in the everyday lives of many people.

At the same time, we know that the journey is not yet over. In the coming years, it will be crucial to anchor equality and inclusion even more deeply in our structures and in our thinking. Perhaps one day the work of the Coordination Office will no longer be necessary because diversity and equal opportunities will have become a matter of course – that would be the most wonderful goal. Until then, it remains an indispensable engine for change and progress.

Congratulations on this impressive milestone and a big thank you for your tireless work and commitment!"

Edith Klauser, University Council member

 

 

For 20 years, the Coordination Office at BOKU has been actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. This is more important than ever today in a time of increasing social polarization. Our goal remains [namely]: a university where diversity is so natural and actively practiced that one day the work of the Coordination Office will no longer be needed.

Student Union Chair BOKU

 

 

I would like to congratulate the Coordination Office for Gender Equality, Diversity, and Disability on its 20th anniversary and thank it for its commitment to breaking down barriers, promoting equal opportunities, and creating a culture of respect and appreciation for all people at BOKU.

I would particularly like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been and continues to be involved in establishing and running the Coordination Office. Your commitment is an indispensable contribution to a more just and inclusive society. Let us continue on this path together—with determination, openness, and the conviction that diversity is our greatest strength.

The successes of the last two decades are the result of courage, perseverance, and the cooperation of many committed people. They show that equality, diversity, and inclusion are not abstract concepts, but values that are lived out in everyday life and enrich and strengthen our society.

But the work is not yet done. The challenges of the future—whether dealing with new forms of discrimination, digital accessibility, or promoting intersectional approaches—continue to require our commitment and creativity. In the coming years, the Coordination Office will continue to play a central role in addressing these challenges and finding new ways to create a more just world—there is much to be done.

Together, we can celebrate our successes to date, but also recommit ourselves to consistent work: for a society in which everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of gender, origin, disability, or other characteristics.

Josef Plank, University Council member

 

 

The Coordination Office is a competent and committed partner to all those who represent the interests and needs of ALL employees at BOKU University.

Unfortunately, what sounds so simple often still involves hard work: often behind the scenes, with empathy for recipients, addressees, and decision-makers

of the important measures that are continuously being implemented to bring the words equality, inclusion, and diversity to life.

Especially at a university of life, our actions should demonstrate that we welcome diversity, inclusion, and equality. In some areas, the path to this goal has already been well paved, while in others there is still much to be done. Long-term projects in particular require patience and perseverance. I would like to take this opportunity to express my genuine delight that the coordination office team is working on short-, medium-, and long-term measures with such passion and commitment. The topics that the coordination office is tasked with implementing are not always received with open ears and open arms by everyone, but by 2025 it will no longer be possible to deny that these fundamental values should no longer be hindered or blocked at the university. I would therefore like to express my sincere thanks to my colleagues at the coordination office, and I am also delighted to be able to experience excellent cooperation as a representative of the interests of the staff. For all of us at BOKU University, I hope for openness and the confidence that a “better world” begins here in our organization by breaking down prejudices and toxic patterns. It starts small, where we can quietly become aware of how seriously we take the legitimate concerns of those who still have to fight for participation—with far fewer tools at their disposal than many of those privileged within the system. And at some point, at least in my vision, it will be so natural, secure, and inclusive here that no one will need to work as seriously and intensively as our co-office does. Until then, dear team, please keep at it, for all of us!

Eva-Maria Baldrian, Head of staff Council

 

 

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity, and Disability, the Senate Chair of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, extends its warm congratulations and recognizes the outstanding work of this important institution.

Since its foundation, the Coordination Office has been working with great commitment and professional expertise to promote a university that embraces equal opportunities, values diversity, and breaks down barriers—whether structural, social, or physical. It has made a significant contribution to making BOKU a place where people can study, research, and work on an equal footing, regardless of gender, origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or social background. Over the past two decades, the Coordination Office has launched numerous initiatives, implemented innovative measures, and thus provided sustainable impetus for a more inclusive university culture. Its work is a central component of the university's strategic development and an indispensable contribution to BOKU's social responsibility.

The Senate would like to thank all past and present employees of the Coordination Office for their many years of tireless work. Their commitment not only makes our university more equitable, but also more sustainable. We look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration.

Senate Chair

 

Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity, and Disability! Over the past two decades, the Working Group for Equal Treatment Issues at BOKU has always enjoyed a very constructive and trusting collaboration with the Coordination Office. Many joint projects and developments have been promoted and implemented. Particularly noteworthy is the internal “Team Diversity” network, which has been in place with the Coordination Office since 2021 and has proven to be very beneficial, facilitating productive exchange. 

The Coordination Office does important work in documenting data and figures relevant to gender equality and diversity, such as the regular publication of the BOKU Gender Equality Reports. In addition, guidelines have been drawn up, for example for gender-inclusive language and imagery at BOKU, the BOKU diversity strategy has been developed, and numerous events have been held to promote awareness and sensitivity (e.g., Awareness Days, Daughters' Day, training courses on accessibility) among BOKU members.

Over the past two decades, the tireless efforts of the Coordination Office have enabled important steps to be taken to promote equal opportunities and inclusion at BOKU, thereby laying a valuable foundation for respectful and inclusive coexistence at the university. For the coming years, the aim is to build on this foundation and intensify efforts. With increased resources, the Coordination Office will be able to adequately meet current and future challenges.

The working group wishes the Coordination Office all the best and many more years of positive change and successful cooperation.

Cornelia Kaspar and Eva Ploss, Equal opporunities working party