Novo Nordisk has been awarded the award for best Danish Sustainability report published in 2002 - given by FSR (The Danish Association of Chartered Accountants) and the Danish financial newspaper Børsen. 

“Novo Nordisk has once again managed to renew and develop its style of reporting to such a degree that it will influence other sustainability reports in the coming years”. These were some of the complimentary words from the judging committee, which was represented by business, NGOs and institutes of higher education. 

The committee further emphasised the uniqueness of Novo Nordisk’s approach to stakeholder dialogue. “It is courageous and very inspiring to read about the seven dilemmas, which the company’s stakeholders have identified”. Further, it was pointed out that the report web site is flexible and easy to navigate. 

In her acceptance speech, Lise Kingo, Executive Vice President in Novo Nordisk, said: “Awarding our report, ‘Dealing with dilemmas’, is an acknowledgement of the need for transparency and for debating these issues. Companies are not humanitarian organisations. They are – also in their work for sustainable development – driven by business interests. Stakeholders expect openness and a willingness to engage in a dialogue on an equal footing. It is entirely legitimate that corporations haven’t got answers to everything. What is essential is that the stakeholders can trust what we say and see that reflected in our deeds. We must show willingness to address our dilemmas and openly discuss the options”. 

Pressure for more corporate transparency was also one of the key takeaways from the World Summit for Sustainable Development, which was held in Johannesburg earlier this year. At the summit, Novo Nordisk hosted a workshop on Trust and Transparency, which addressed the same discussion.