We are on the international agenda – with water Dear colleague I recently had one of those experiences you don't easily forget: I attended a UN summit in New York to speak on the significance of water. Water for the entire world, with the right quality and in the right places. I stood there as a representative of our company. And I had the opportunity to explain how we can help solve major water challenges, in a way that also takes care of the planet. Because we are capable of something unique when it comes to water and energy. We have over 70 years' experience moving water around as efficiently as possible. Because we can do this, our knowledge, effort and dedication can help not only move water and save energy, but also help move the world. The UN has chosen 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to guide us and the globe in the right direction leading up to 2030. The goals are extremely ambitious, and a concerted effort will be required in order to fulfil them. As a company, we want to offer our assistance where we can. And we have good opportunities to do something. 15 of the 17 goals have a link to water. I am particularly focusing on two of them, where we can make a major difference: Goals number 6 and 13. Clean water and sanitation for all and action to combat climate change. These strike at the heart of what we are able to do. They involve ensuring water of the right quality is in the right place – and moving wastewater to where it should be. In the most effective and energy efficient manner possible. It is also important to work intelligently with the resources that exist, for example via strategic water treatment. We can quickly treat wastewater locally to such an extent that it can be reused on site, relieving pressure on other water resources. It is amazing that our work is making a difference in the world. We must keep doing so. Which is why we need our business to continue to thrive. We recently had a public share offer, where many employees had the opportunity to become co-owners of the company. An opportunity many people took advantage of. I am pleased about that. Externally, there are no easy gains. Conditions are difficult and we are struggling in several key markets. We still have a headwind in Russia, and have lost some momentum in USA. Elsewhere, things are looking brighter in China, while South America and several key European markets are maintaining momentum. It is also important to note that we are managing to maintain profitability at the target level, despite the difficult market conditions. This is one of the reasons why the struggles we are facing have not changed our goals. Internally, we are focusing on refining the way we work – by reducing complexity and improving the way we work together, so we can give customers what they need, quickly and precisely. If we do that we are doing good business. And also doing something good for the world. Mads Nipper Group President & CEO
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