Paris, France June 12th 2023 – The Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030, founded by Kering and Cartier, is mobilizing companies and key stakeholders in the sector to accelerate positive impact in building climate resilience, preserving resources and fostering inclusiveness to deliver a positive impact on people and the planet.
At a C-level roundtable, hosted by Kering, 40 companies from across the jewellery and watch value chain discussed private sector action to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This roundtable took place one day before the first WJI 2030 CEO Forum with the theme ‘CEO Leadership in the Age of Trust and Transparency’.
During opening remarks Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, noted the importance of private sector action to achieve the 2030 Agenda:
“Leading private sector voices are important because they have a unique opportunity to accelerate the 2030 agenda by minimizing any harmful effects of business on the environment; treating staff and customers fairly, without discrimination and obeying laws and doing the right thing for the places and the people where they operate throughout the supply chain.”
Also speaking during the event, Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of International Institutional Affairs at Kering, and WJI 2030 Board Co-Chair said “By leveraging an extensive network of partners including UNGC, UN Women WEPs, ESG book, WJI 2030 seeks to address challenges and catalyze long-term solutions. We need to act now and accelerate. No one can do this alone, sustainability is a collective journey.”
Cyrille Vigneron, President & CEO, Cartier SA and WJI2030 Board Co-Chair said “As the watch and jewellery sector relies on the earth’s precious resources and people’s know-how around the world within its value chains, it is imperative to act together. Our collaboration with United Nations Global Compact will guide the sector with the right tools and expertise through the entire value chains.”
Iris Van der Veken- Executive Director & Secretary General, Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 said “In alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals priorities, WJI 2030 will foster collaboration on multi stakeholder initiatives that support the implementation of the 2030 agenda to drive forward socio-economic transformation across the global jewelry & watch value chain. Education is key. The first modules of introduction to the SDGs and the Human Rights Navigator will be launched in September in the UNGC Solutions Lab during the week of the General Assembly. Our strong collaboration with CIBJO and BJOP will support us in the implementation.”
WJI 2030 will also play a key role in driving the gender and the D&I agenda forward in the global jewellery & watch industry. A taskforce is in development under the leadership of Dr. Anino Emuwa, Founder, 100 Women @ Davos to shape the roadmap ahead. A call for interest to join will be launched in September.
About the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030)
Cartier, delegated by Richemont, and Kering launched the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 driven by a common conviction that the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aspirations for a sustainable industry can only be achieved through collaborative initiatives. The global initiative is open to all watch and jewellery players with a national or international footprint. WJI 2030, member of the Global Compact and WEPs Signatory, is committed to a common core of key sustainability goals in three areas: building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness. The association is based in Maison de La Paix in Geneva. For more information, visit our website www.wjinitiative2030.org
