Novartis' sites in Slovenia welcome the Pride Month by raising the rainbow flags
- Today, the rainbow flag was raised in front of the Novartis Business Information Center in Ljubljana and at the Mengeš site, marking the month of Pride that is celebrated each year in June.
- With this symbolic act, they have joined many Novartis members around the world who have demonstrated their commitment to respecting human rights of LGBTI+ people.
- Novartis supports the LGBTI+ community and the culture of diversity and inclusion of all associates, both at work and the wider society, where it draws attention to human rights and equity.
In its endeavor to foster diversity and inclusion, Novartis strives to ensure that every associate is free to be their best and true selves at work without fear of discrimination regardless of gender, sexual identity or orientation. Therefore, today Novartis in Slovenia raised the rainbow flag as a sign of support for the LGBTI+ community in front of the Business Information Center in Ljubljana and at its site in Mengeš. In the coming days, the rainbow flag will fly also at Novartis’ sites in Lendava and Prevalje.
Novartis daily strives, both globally and nationally, to create an inclusive environment in which they value uniqueness, respect different views and encourage employees to be the best version of themselves. ''I firmly believe that we should all have the freedom to choose and the right to decide freely for ourselves and that diversity enriches us. I am proud to be a part of a company that supports the LGBTI+ community and strives to make our associates feel heard and accepted. I believe that tolerance and respect are values that lead us to a better tomorrow so let’s start living them today,'' said Katarina Klemenc, Head Corporate Communications and Novartis Slovenia leadership team sponsor for LGBTI+ upon raising the flag.
During the Pride Month, raising of the rainbow flag at all Novartis sites in Slovenia will be accompanied also by virtual learning and awareness raising for the employees on the LGBTI+ topics. The first step on the path to understanding and accepting differences is to acquire knowledge and foster behavior with which everyone can contribute to a more equitable community within the company and in everyday life.
In 2018, Novartis became the first global pharmaceutical company to pledge support for the United Nations Standards of Conduct for Business, tackling discrimination against LGBTI+ people. Companies have important opportunities to promote diversity and the culture of respect and equality. At Novartis and thus at Lek as well, we are committed to contributing to positive social changes in the communities where we operate. Respect for human rights, striving for maximum inclusion and responsible business conduct are enshrined in the foundation of the company’s operation.
Novartis is the leading provider of medicines in Slovenia, where Lek, Novartis Pharma Services and Sandoz, 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 eight years, the company has created more than 2,700 jobs, making us one of the biggest employers in Slovenia. Novartis invested in Slovenia more than EUR 2.5 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 2019 sales of USD 9.7 billion. Sandoz is headquartered in Holzkirchen, in Germany’s Greater Munich area.
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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 more than 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 145 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:
Katarina Klemenc
Corporate Communications
Lek Pharmaceuticals d. d.
Phone: +386 1 580 22 43
Fax: +386 1 580 24 32
katarina.klemenc@sandoz.com
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Contact us
Gregor Makuc
T: +386 1 580 22 43
info.lek@sandoz.com