Novartis in Slovenia celebrates Pride Month by raising the rainbow flag at all sites
- Novartis in Slovenia will raise the rainbow flag at all its sites, symbolically marking Pride Month. The raising of the rainbow flag took place today in Ljubljana and Mengeš, and in the coming days, the Lendava and Prevalje sites will follow.
- Novartis in Slovenia has recently confirmed its long-standing efforts to embrace diversity and inclusion with the LGBT-Friendly Company certificate.
- Novartis supports the LGBTQI+ community and the culture of diversity and inclusion of all associates, both in the workplace and in the wider environment, and draws attention to human rights and equality in the communities in which it operates.
At both the global and national levels, Novartis is daily committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and enables associates to be true to themselves, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or any other personal circumstance, without fear of discrimination. The field of diversity and inclusion in Novartis in Slovenia is addressed through its four pillars – Cross-GenerationalCooperation, Disabilities, Diverse Talents and the LGBTQI+ Community. Novartis in Slovenia has been celebrating June as Pride Month for many years, and as a sign of support it raises the rainbow flag at the Ljubljana and Mengeš site. In the coming days, it will also be raised in Lendava and Prevalje. The company recently obtained the LGBT-Friendly Certificate from the City of Ljubljana, committing itself to continuing to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization.
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Novartis, which strives to create an inclusive work environment in which all associates can be the best version of themselves. »At Novartis in Slovenia, we are aware that the full acceptance of individuals is a prerequisite for satisfaction, innovation and belonging. We believe that diversity enriches us and we strive to make our associates feel accepted and heard. With a symbolic act, such as raising the rainbow flag, we encourage conversations about diversity within and outside the company and support our colleagues who are members of the LGBTQI+ community,« said Robert Ljoljo, President of the Board of Management of Lek and Novartis Country President Slovenia.
In addition to raising the rainbow flag, Novartis in Slovenia has organized a virtual training on LGBTQI+ topics: »Over the years of active engagement with diversity and inclusion, we noticed that misunderstanding usually occurs due to lack of knowledge, therefore we regularly raise awareness among the associates about LGBTQI+ topics and promote behaviors that contribute to ensuring equality for all. We are proud of the steps we have taken so far, but we are aware that we are not at the finish line yet. We will continue to strive to move in the right direction on a daily basis and we hope to encourage other organizations to do the same,« added Katarina Klemenc Head Communications and Patient Engagement, and LGBTQI+ Community Sponsor at Novartis in Slovenia.
At the end of last year, Novartis in Slovenia obtained the international Top Employer certificate, which, among other things, assessed diversity and inclusion management. In this area, Novartis in Slovenia radically stood out from other comparable European companies, with a 20% higher rating than the average. At the global level, in 2018, Novartis signed the Standards of Conduct to Support Business Communities in Combating Discrimination against LGBTQI In 2018, Novartis also became the first global pharmaceutical company to pledge support for the United Nations Standards of Conduct for Business, tackling discrimination against LGBTI+ people.
Novartis is the leading provider of medicines in Slovenia, where Lek d.d., Novartis Pharma Services Inc., Podružnica v Sloveniji and Sandoz d.d., operate. Together we are building and maintaining the reputation of a dynamic, ethical, and trusted pharmaceutical company. Lek develops, manufactures, and markets effective, safe, and high quality medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients. With our knowledge, quality, and experience we have gained an important role in Novartis' organizational structure, especially in the Novartis Technical Operations, Global Drug Development, Novartis Business Services, and the generic division Sandoz. We are the leading Sandoz development center, and one of the key development sites for technologically complex projects. We invest a great deal in the development, education, and training of our employees. Over the last nine years, the company has created more than 3,350 new job opportunities, making us one of the biggest employers in Slovenia. Novartis invested in Slovenia more than EUR 2.7 billion since 2003.
About Sandoz
Sandoz, a Novartis division, is a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. Our purpose is to pioneer access for patients by developing and commercializing novel, affordable approaches that address unmet medical needs. Our ambition is to be the world’s leading and most valued generics company. Our broad portfolio of high-quality medicines, covering all major therapeutic areas, accounted for 2020 sales of USD 9.6 billion. Sandoz is headquartered in Holzkirchen, in Germany’s Greater Munich area.
Sandoz is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @SandozGlobal at http://twitter.com/Sandoz_Global.
About Novartis
Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world’s top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 110,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at www.novartis.com.
This press release contains statements and conclusions based on projections of Lek’s future business operations. These estimates are derived from the best information currently available. In case these forecasts prove unreliable, the actual results could prove different from those projected.
For additional information contact:
Gregor Makuc
Communications & External Engagement
Lek Pharmaceuticals d. d.
Phone: +386 1 580 22 43
gregor.makuc@sandoz.com
