CHARM-EU is a Zero Project Awardee for pioneering inclusivity in Higher Education

The CHARM-EU Alliance has been recognised with the prestigious Zero Project 2024 Award for its commitment and pioneering work in fostering diversity and inclusivity in higher education.  

The Zero Project annually recognises innovative projects and initiatives that contribute to a world without barriers: the 2024 edition selected 77 innovative solutions from 43 countries after a complex review process from a diverse range of nominees from all sectors of society. An unprecedented 526 nominations from 97 countries were submitted during #ZeroCall24. They were evaluated in a multi-step process, including extensive peer review by experts from the Zero Project's global and cross-sectoral network. The selection was based on innovation, impact, and scalability.

CHARM-EU stood out in the higher education category for its innovative approaches and tangible practices to create a more inclusive higher education environment.

Inclusivity is one of the Core Values of the CHARM-EU Alliance: CHARM-EU believes in the power of diversity to enrich learning experiences and knowledge-creation processes and fosters an open, welcoming and safe atmosphere. Inclusion and diversity have been profoundly interwoven into the DNA of CHARM-EU and are promoted by actions such as:

• Inclusive Design: CHARM-EU aims to implement primarily the universal design educational approach and, where necessary, provide reasonable accommodation in the design, implementation, and monitoring of curriculum and the teaching and learning environment that meets the needs of the greatest number of individuals. The Alliance works step by step to incorporate inclusive teaching and learning methods and materials, creating an open, welcoming, and safe environment where individuals feel a sense of belonging and are valued and supported to the greatest extent possible.
• Responsive to Needs: CHARM-EU is committed to eliminating structural barriers that hinder individuals with diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and access needs from accessing, participating in, and succeeding in higher education. To achieve this goal, CHARM-EU provides appropriate structures and services that are reasonable and feasible within its capacity and resources. 
• International Mobility: One of CHARM-EU's key pillars is international mobility, allowing students and faculty to engage in cross-cultural experiences. The commitment to collaboration promotes inclusivity by broadening perspectives, fostering cultural understanding, and providing opportunities for individuals from different backgrounds to thrive in an international academic community.
• Transdisciplinary Collaboration: By encouraging a cross-pollination of knowledge and expertise from various disciplines and external stakeholders, CHARM-EU promotes an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can actively access, participate, and engage. It cultivates an atmosphere for encompassing all voices and realisation of nothing about us without us contributing to a truly inclusive and enriching educational experience.

The recognition of CHARM-EU by the Zero Project 2024 Award is a testament to the Alliance's dedication to shaping the future of higher education through inclusivity and innovation. As CHARM-EU continues to mainstream inclusion and diversity within its organizational culture and operation and by applying #InclusionByDesign in its design, implementation, and monitoring, it inspires higher education institutions and various stakeholders worldwide to aim for quality and inclusive education, as outlined in Article 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Zero Project Award is a milestone for celebration and a call to action to strive for a more inclusive and equitable future for CHARM-EU, as well as the European and global higher education community.