By David Brough
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) hosted a session at the UN Global Compact Virtual Leaders’ Summit in which industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a well-attended session on June 15, RJC Executive Director Iris Van der Veken discussed with a panel of senior representatives of companies including De Beers Group, Signet, Pomellato and Rosy Blue the steps they were taking to achieve the 15 SDGs by 2030.
One of the panellists, Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO-World Jewellery Confederation, underlined the jewellery industry’s pledge to work towards meeting the goals.
“We believe the industry has the ability to improve the wellbeing of the societies in which it operates, helping fulfil a series of Sustainable Development Goals,” Cavalieri said.
“These include areas of good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), life below water (SDG14), life on land (SDG 15), peace justice and strong institutions (SDG 16) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).
“It’s at times like these that we are able to see what is really important, and that is embodied in the worldwide business alliance of the UN Global Compact.
“The jewellery industry is committed to its 10 universal sustainability principles, as it is to the Sustainable Development Goals.
“I congratulate RJC for its effort to articulate that obligation today.”
