Copenhagen has been ranked the top city globally for combining LGBT+ inclusion with a strong business environment, according to a new report by the organization Open for Business. The Danish capital outperformed 149 cities worldwide, praised for its “groundbreaking gender identity laws,” inclusive healthcare sector, and high levels of social acceptance.
Dominic Arnall, CEO of Open for Business, highlighted that cities like Copenhagen , Stockholm, and Zürich achieve success not through conservative policies, but through openness and adaptability. These cities excel in economic competitiveness, innovation, and minority inclusion, setting a benchmark for others.
Among other Nordic cities, Stockholm ranked closely behind Copenhagen, recognized for its progressive social policies and vibrant innovation ecosystem. Helsinki also performed well, showcasing strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and an inclusive public healthcare system. Oslo and Reykjavík made notable appearances in the top rankings, praised for their high quality of life, transparent governance, and proactive support of minority rights.
Copenhagen Pride warns of fragile progress
While the ranking is a moment of pride, Copenhagen Pride expressed concerns over a growing reluctance among businesses to visibly support LGBTQ+ initiatives. Benjamin Hansen, Chairperson of Copenhagen Pride, noted that although Denmark has made significant strides, recent global developments have made these achievements “suddenly fragile.”
A pivotal incident occurred in 2024, when major Danish corporations such as Mærsk, Novo Nordisk, and Dansk Industri withdrew their support from Copenhagen Pride after the organization requested partners to express a stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Despite an official apology for the confusion, the event marked a shift in corporate attitudes.
Global trends threaten LGBTQ+ rights
The global landscape for LGBT+ rights is shifting. In Europe, countries like Hungary have banned Pride events and reinforced binary gender definitions. Italy has curtailed rights for same-sex parents. Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump‘s return to the presidency has seen the rollback of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives across USA federal agencies and their partners, but also many European company as drops LGBTQ+ references from their reports, like Lego.
“We are facing a new reality where hateful rhetoric and rollbacks of rights are becoming normalized,” Hansen warned.
The political climate, particularly influenced by Trump’s policies, pressures companies into silence, risking the support for LGBTQ+ employees.
Call for courageous leadership from businesses
Despite understanding the economic and reputational risks businesses face, Copenhagen Pride urges them to act courageously.
“Now more than ever, we need companies to stand by their values and lead by example,” said Hansen.
The Open for Business report stresses that cities fostering an open, transparent, and inclusive environment are more likely to attract talent, foster innovation, and maintain a healthy business climate. In a world facing increasing polarization, the resilience of these inclusive ecosystems is vital.
Norcic cities‘s top ranking remains a beacon of hope, but as global challenges mount, maintaining this leadership will require persistent advocacy, corporate bravery, and unwavering support for human rights.
