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Nordic Countries to Lead Way in Global Sustainable Growth

Nordic Countries to Lead Way in Global Sustainable Growth

Published 11-01-04

Submitted by Nordic Partnership

COPENHAGEN - The Nordic Council of Ministers has announced its intention to position the Nordic countries as beacons for sustainable growth. At the same time, the Nordic Partnership calls on Nordic Prime Ministers to increase political support in an effort to spur sustainable competitiveness.

Many companies are ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainable growth; however, governments should act to cement companies' global competitiveness by improving the political framework. This is the recommendation of the Nordic Partnership's 'All Steps Matter' report. The Nordic Partnership operates a network comprising NGOs and Nordic businesses.

"Traditionally Nordic companies have been frontrunners when it comes to integrating environmental and social responsibility in their business operations. Companies have an important responsibility to contribute to sustainable development. In this respect, it is of vital importance that governments continue to ensure that the corporate sector is rewarded for engaging in sustainable development," says Steen Riisgaard, CEO, Novozymes.

Furthermore, CEO of ITT Flygt, Per-Inge Birgersson underlines the need for government support: "As an international business, we aim at high efficiency and profitability combined with high product quality. The profitability is measured in terms of consumer demand for our products and whether the government encourages and incentivizes sustainable production. To us, sustainable production means that everything is connected," he says.

Political support is crucial
The report will be published in connection with the Nordic Council's annual session, at which Nordic Environmental Ministers and others will convene on 2 November 2004 in Stockholm. There they will discuss a pan-Nordic strategy for sustainable development. A new chapter on sustainable production and consumption in the strategy reflects the Nordic governments' aim to lead the implementation of international commitments. In light of the report's recommendations, the Nordic Partnership is calling on Nordic Prime Ministers to support this strategy.

"The new Nordic strategy is certainly a step in the right direction. However, it is crucial that the governments mobilise the support necessary to carry out the international agreements and goals for sustainable development. The support from the political side is critical to the success of the efforts pursued by the NGOs and companies," says the Managing Director for the Nordic Partnership, Michael Brinch-Pedersen.

Business community, politicians and NGOs join hands
As a major part of the business community, modern organisations understand that responsible management directly influences earnings and competitiveness, and that competitiveness can be improved through professional dialogue with politicians and NGOs.

"Much of the business community has shifted its focus in certain areas, and in some respects has surpassed both the governments and the industry organisations. It is not 'window dressing'. They come to us because we have know-how in the area, and can be frank with them. This is important for managing their risk and competitiveness ," says Kim Carstensen , Secretary General, WWF Denmark .

The Nordic Partnership report clearly states that sustainability is being taken seriously and that awareness is high among all the parties involved when it comes to identifying where extra effort and focus is needed. The next step is therefore to tap into the willingness which exists among the NGOs, the business community and the Nordic governments, which, if the latest initiative is agreed on, will commit themselves to carry out concrete action.

Read the background information: www.nordicpartnership.org/9130029

For further information please contact:

Michael Brinch-Pedersen, Managing Director, Nordic Partnership
Telephone: + 45 35363635 / Mobile: + 45 20263635
E-mail: mbpedersen@wwf.dk

Eva Louise Holm Petersen, Communications Manager , Novozymes A/S
Telephone: +45 88 24 99 99 / Mobile: +45 30793338
E-mail: elhp@novozymes.com

Monica Spendilow, Communications Manager, ITT Flygt
Tel: +46 8 475 6651
E-mail: monica.spendilow@flygt.com

Kim Carstensen, Secretary General , WWF Denmark
Telephone: + 45 35363635 / Mobile: 45 40 34 36 35
E-mail: k.carstensen@wwf.dk

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