Aviva plc, the international savings, investments and insurance group, has been recognised for its international diversity programmes at the World Diversity Leadership Summit, hosted by the United Nations Global Compact. Richard Harvey, Aviva's group chief executive, was presented with the Global Diversity and Innovation award at the UN headquarters in New York.

The judging panel, the World Diversity Leadership Council, a peer group of corporate diversity experts, selected Aviva for its innovative approach to embedding diversity within the company. The panel singled out the company's approach to refreshing its diversity strategy, which started in 2005 with a call to action for senior business managers internationally to develop business objectives and plans on diversity.

Other initiatives that impressed the panel included the international "Think Again" diversity campaign which included an award-winning DVD, "Embracing Diversity," a brochure, intranet and communications package. Aviva has also created a world class "Respect Diversity Toolkit" which is a learning and knowledge portal with resources to embed the key principles of diversity and respect. It includes training materials, interactive games, presentations, DVDs, and best practice and benchmarking information.

Richard Harvey, Aviva's group chief executive said: "I'm delighted to accept this award on behalf of Aviva. The world is more competitive than ever, and we are responding positively to the changes in our markets, technology, products and regulations. If we are to retain our strengths in these challenging new environments, we must embrace diversity in everything we do."

Douglas Freeman, founder, World Diversity Leadership Summit said: "We are proud to recognise Aviva for their dedication and leadership in diversity, not only in the United Kingdom but around the world. We know that Aviva will continue to contribute to advancement of global diversity."