Novartis receives 2006 DNWE Prize for Corporate Ethics
The commitment of Novartis to implementing the principles of the Global Compact is also receiving recognition abroad. The company was recently awarded the German "Prize for Corporate Ethics".
December 23, 2005 - In a ceremony held by the German Business Ethics Network (DNWE) on December 12 in Basel, Novartis received the 2006 Prize for Corporate Ethics. This is the first time DNWE has awarded the prize to a foreign company, and in this case Novartis has been singled out for its systematic and Group-wide implementation of the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact.
Driving the Global Compact forward
Professor Albert Löhr, Chairman of the DNWE, acknowledged in particular the outstanding commitment of Professor Klaus M. Leisinger, Chairman of the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, whose contribution was fundamental to the worldwide implementation of the Global Compact within the company.
In his speech, Professor Friedhelm Hengsbach of the Nell-Breuning-Institut St. Georgen in Frankfurt/Main underlined the importance of the implementation of these principles in view of the ongoing globalization of the economy and the securing of social peace.
Urs Bärlocher, Head Legal & General Affairs, Novartis, accepted the prize on behalf of the company, expressing the thanks of the Novartis Executive Committee and emphasizing that the implementation of the principles is a core element of a conscientious company such as Novartis. "The Global Compact will continue to alter the corporate structure of Novartis, as this is not to be viewed as a short-term process. Questions will continuously arise over the coming years, and it will be our task to answer them. This prize gives us further motivation to drive the implementation of the Global Compact forward."
Promoting business ethics
The German Business Ethics Network was founded in May 1993 in Bad Homburg, and currently boasts over 500 members. The DNWE pursues the goal of promoting the exchange of thoughts and ideas concerning ethical business issues and the ethical behavior of the scientific community. To this end, the Network supports all efforts made by companies, associations, and institutions that aim to implement in practice moral principles and requirements within economic contexts.
The "Prize for Corporate Ethics" is awarded every two years and has in the past been received by Otto (mail order), Puma (sports articles) and Faber Castell (writing and coloring accessories). Novartis is the fourth prizewinner.