In New York, Denmark Confirms Role as Global Leader in SDGs
PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen, companies to spotlight Denmark’s achievements in sustainability
New York, NY — Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen will kick-off his attendance at the United Nations high-level General Debate week with a celebration of Denmark’s trailblazing role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a reaffirmation of the importance of sustainable values in Danish life at home and abroad, according to the Consulate General of Denmark in New York, SAP NextGen, and the Confederation of Danish Industry.
The event — to be hosted at SAP NextGen at Hudson Yards in New York City on September 24th and headlined Denmark: It’s more than a small country — It’s a BIG idea! — will bring together Her Royal Highness Mary, the Crown Princess of Denmark, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, as well as Denmark’s leading companies and non-profits in sustainable development, for an evening exhibition of Danish successes in the SDG arena spanning Carlsberg’s elimination of the use of plastic in its six-packs to Novo Nordisk’s sustained action against non-communicable diseases.
“The longstanding Danish values of sustainability, gender equity, and tolerance are, in many ways, the forerunners of the Sustainable Development Goals and we are thrilled that we can honor both the Danish public and private sectors for maintaining this strong Danish tradition,” declared Consul General of Denmark in New York, Ambassador Anne Dorte Riggelsen.
Among the companies exhibiting their ground breaking innovations will be Carlsberg, whose recently launched “Snap Pack” eliminates the need for environmentally damaging plastic packaging; Novozymes, whose innovative use of biological solutions in industrial products reveals new ways towards saving energy, water and raw materials, while reducing waste and emissions; and Rambøll, whose holistic approach to urban planning is paving the way to more liveable, cost-efficient and healthier cities, as well as pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, manufacturer Danfoss and Rockwool.
In addition, the Brownsville Community Culinary Center — a non-profit launched by Danish chef and entrepreneur Claus Meyer in Brownsville, Brooklyn to train neighbourhood residents for careers in the food-service industry — will be on hand with a cooking station to display the healthy, accessible cuisine they offer to Brownsvillians. Other non-profit partners of Denmark present at the event will include the youth services provider Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement and the Copenhagen-based Art2030.
Pointing to the Brownsville Community Culinary Center’s fusion of Danish and New York-based ideals, Ambassador Riggelsen added that the long-vaunted Danish value system was not exclusive to Denmark but amounted more to “an idea that is shared by all international actors devoted to finding sustainable and equitable solutions to today’s complex problems.”
“We recognize that these values transcend national boundaries,” she continued. “That is why we are celebrating the global impact that Denmark is making towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, both at home and abroad.”
On that note, SAP NextGen will also honor Denmark’s SDG excellence with a special plaque that will inaugurate the company’s new partnership wall dedicated to countries committed to realising the Goals by 2030. The plaque will also help mark the launch of the Global SDG Business Hub — the Danish Trade Council’s new initiative aimed at helping Danish companies achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while growing their businesses abroad.
“SAP Next-Gen is joining government, corporate and entrepreneurial leaders in Denmark to scale the impact of Denmark’s SDG Business Hub through connections to the global SAP Next-Gen ‘Innovation with Purpose’ network as well as startups, accelerators, tech community partners, venture firms, futurists, purpose driven institutions and SAP experts around the world,” said Ann Rosenberg, Senior Vice President and Global Head of SAP Next-Gen.
“We look at Denmark’s launch of an SDG Business Hub as a model for all countries to rally SDG champions to connect in the SAP Next-Gen innovation with purpose space in New York and link to a global community of next generation purpose focused innovators accelerating solutions to the SDGs,” continued Rosenberg.
Karsten Dybvad, the CEO of the Confederation of Danish Industry, meanwhile, highlighted the need for a “strong commitment to global partnership and cooperation” in realizing the SDGs, adding that Danish companies were uniquely positioned for success in this area.
“No sector alone can develop the solutions or the technology that can help us truly address the global challenges. Danish companies have a strong tradition for cooperation, and they have trust-based dialogue in their DNA,” Mr. Dybvad confirmed. “That is a good starting point for engaging in those international partnerships that will contribute to the innovation necessary for realizing the SDGs.”
In addition to celebrating Denmark’s SDG successes, the event will also feature the presentation of the 2018 Danish Export Prize to Lines of Denmark for its exceptional work in securing the success of the Danish Brand Ilse Jacobsen in the US. The prize will be presented by Her Royal Highness Mary, the Crown Princess of Denmark.
For further information:
Name: Andrew Z Giacalone, Press and Communications Advisor
Email: andgia@um.dk
