First in Finland: Nokia signs the UN Standards of Conduct for Business to pledge support for LGBTI rights worldwide

Today, Nokia signed the United Nations Standards of Conduct for Business to pledge its support to LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) people worldwide, making it the first company in Finland to do so. The standards are a framework for business to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

By signing the UN Standards, Nokia continues its efforts to be an inclusive workplace, driving positive social change and respecting everyone’s equal rights and fair treatment, including, in this case, the rights of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex people and related communities.

“Nokia has a strong focus on inclusion to ensure that every employee can feel safe and accepted, with an equal opportunity to build a meaningful career at Nokia,” said Anneli Karlstedt, Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Nokia. “Externally, we have very diverse customers and partners. Signing up to these standards shows them the importance we place on a culture of respect and tolerance.”

“Today, Nokia commits to the human rights of LGBTI people. By doing this, Nokia demonstrates that the value of connecting the world is in its DNA,” said Fabrice Houdart, United Nations Human Rights Officer and co-author of the Standards.

Altogether 204 companies have signed the UN Standards of Conduct for Business since 2017. More information about UN Standards of Conduct for Business can be found here.

About Nokia 
We create the technology to connect the world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry’s most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing. 

We adhere to the highest ethical business standards as we create technology with social purpose, quality and integrity. Nokia is enabling the infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com