Much to the amazement of many non-Scandinavians, it is common to see strollers with sleeping babies parked outside houses, cafes and shops in Copenhagen. It happens every day, all year round. It can be hard for visitors to comprehend how Copenhageners are comfortable with leaving their children outside alone, but it is a perfect example of the trust and security in the Danish capital.
Copenhagen is often ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, and the city generally enjoys a reputation as a beautiful, easy and peaceful destination. This is something that many congress delegates and other visitors to Copenhagen, as well as the expats who call Copenhagen home have noticed. The city of Copenhagen has experienced a large influx of expats in recent years. Many of them are working for Danish life sciences companies.
The Greater Copenhagen area has developed into a hub of pharmacology and biotechnology. And this is where Copenhagen Life Science was founded – a three-part partnership between the public and private sectors and the city’s world-class universities and research institutions. This cross-sector partnership was founded to facilitate the flow of knowledge, ideas and skills across the various domains and interests of life sciences. It is to create an ecosystem that will generate new solutions for global health problems.
Copenhagen Life Science exists to facilitate the transmission of knowledge and skill, and it sees international life science congresses as a vital part of that mission.
“Congresses present a unique platform for knowledge exchange, relations building and peer-to-peer networking, which are very important to Copenhagen strongholds such as life sciences. We focus on congresses also contributing to more long-term, positive impacts using the event itself and the many opportunities for cross-sector collaboration in an open-minded and creative environment. “Copenhagen is also a peaceful and safe destination, says Wonderful Copenhagen’s Deputy Convention Director Bettina Rventlow-Mourier.
How to measure a safe city
As Reventlow-Mourier points out, safety is essential when hosting a congress. But how do you measure safety? Copenhagen currently tops The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index, which ranks 60 cities across five continents. Index focuses on indicators of personal, environmental, health and infrastructure security. While Copenhagen had the highest overall score, it also topped the personal security category. Perhaps this is unsurprising for a city where the locals let their babies nap unattended outside.
In part, it reflects the Scandinavian values of community and trust. It is also a result of Danish society’s security. Out of the OECD members, Denmark has the lowest poverty rates and only places behind Finland and Norway regarding income equality.
A corruption-free city
Another important element when discussing safety is corruption – or rather, the lack of it. The city of Copenhagen is a place where there’s virtually no corruption. Denmark tops the world in the Corruptions Perception Index with a score of 90. This is evident in many different ways for associations. For example, they are able to communicate effectively with officials from local governments or other organizations. Communication is usually straightforward, reliable and timely. The city has a high level of collaboration and trust between its stakeholders. This is a great asset for associations who want to organize a conference in the city.
” The organizing process involved a close collaborative effort between scientific societies, universities, and the Copenhagen Convention Bureau. It was a really fantastic collaboration,” said Professor Lars Hvid of University of Copenhagen, one of organizers of the 2022 International Congress of Parasitology, which took place in Denmark’s capital.
Come as you are
Congresses are held to bring people together, creating new knowledge and inspiration. Copenhagen is a great example of a city that welcomes everyone. “I think, personally, Copenhagen is one of the friendliest cities I’ve ever been to,” says Perry Gil-Ran, Associate Vice President of the Kenes Group, one of the organizers of ICOPA 2022. “Everyone here is so friendly, so helpful, giving you a feeling that you are coming to a place where you’re welcome.”
Copenhagen has long had a strong focus on promoting diversity, and chances are that congress delegates will discover an open-minded and progressive city. Couples of same-sex can feel secure and safe at all times, day or night. It is often noted that Denmark was the first country in the world to legally recognize same-sex unions (1989), just as it was one of the first to legalize same-sex marriage (2012). Come as you are, or in other words you will be welcomed in Copenhagen.
Due to the city’s focus on its diversity, Copenhagen has also been dubbed a “healthy” city. The city is home to over 580 life science companies, of which 300 are biotech firms and 138 are MedTech organizations. Of course, the Danish health service is open to all, including congress visitors. There are also hundreds of kilometers of bike paths that make it easier to commute. There are many green spaces, which can be designed ingeniously and often with children’s safety in mind. The harbor is a popular place for visitors to swim (it’s a Copenhagen tradition) and the Amager district has some beautiful swimming platforms.
Everywhere is easily accessible by public transport – you are never more than 20 minutes from any congress location. One of the most livable cities in the world, Copenhagen enjoys a life science sector with a secure future supported by Copenhagen Life Science. It offers, perhaps, the best of both science and life.
Planned your next meeting or event in Copenhagen? Contact a consultant for help at [email protected]. Or visit copenhagenlifescience.com/conventions.
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