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SAVE THE DATE
World Diamond Council
Annual General Meeting
2 & 3 October 2019 | Antwerp, Belgium
LATEST NEWS
WDC and RJC enter cross-membership partnership to increase knowledge-sharing and impact on lives and livelihoods throughout the jewelry supply chain
MARCH 16, 2021
The World Diamond Council (WDC) and Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) have entered into a cross-membership partnership and signed mutual codes of conduct. The two leading diamond and jewelry industry organizations are dedicated to the adoption of responsible business practices across the supply chain, and this partnership will help increase knowledge-sharing, pilot new initiatives, and increase the positive impact they both make on the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities associated with jewelry, watches and the precious materials from which they are made.
The increased cooperation between the organizations will see an RJC official joining the WDC Kimberley Process Task Force to take part in critical discussions about the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). This includes the expansion of the definition of conflict diamonds and principles for responsible diamond sourcing, and also the worldwide adoption of WDC’s revised System of Warranties (SoW). For its part, a WDC official will join the RJC SDG Task Force, which is an action platform for the jewelry and watch industry committed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both appointments will take place with immediate effect.
Over the course of the partnership, both WDC and RJC will report to their members on progress with the SoW and SDGs, and support members of the industry in applying the relevant programs and principles into their own business systems with the help of case studies, hands-on workshops and a continued dialogue with policy makers and investors.
Edward Asscher, President of the World Diamond Council.
Elodie Daguzan, Executive Director of the World Diamond Council.
David Bouffard, Chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
“Cooperation at this level is critical to raising the level of knowledge about responsible sourcing, driving action and having a positive impact on all businesses, small and large, at every level of the diamond supply chain,” said Elodie Daguzan, WDC’s Executive Director. “Through this partnership we can do more to increase understanding of the KPCS and present a united industry front dedicated to broadening its scope through the expansion of the definition of conflict diamonds. Cooperation will also fast-track the adoption of WDC’s revised System of Warranties, creating a standard industry baseline for KPCS-compliance and commitment to fundamental human and labor rights, and anti-money laundering and anti-corruption principles. I am excited to be working closer with the team at RJC to unite the power of all our members and accelerate positive change in our industry.”
“Uniting the positive forces of RJC and WDC is a major milestone in our industry, and I am inspired by what we can achieve together, partnering to promote the fulfilment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the industry,” said Iris Van der Veken, RJC Executive Director. “Being actively involved in the WDC Kimberley Process Task Force is an excellent opportunity to bring about more rapid change in our industry, globally. We need to stay focused and increase our efforts during the Decade of Action to achieve a jewelry supply chain that is responsible and conscious of its impact on people and the planet. We have a great opportunity to build back better.”
Commenting on the agreement, Edward Asscher, WDC President, said: “Partnering with RJC creates exciting opportunities for our industry. Since 2000, WDC’s entire purpose has been to preserve the integrity of the natural diamond, and that of the industry that mines, manufactures and sells it. This agreement not only means increased understanding of the role played by the Kimberley Process and the critical governance that it provides, but it also strengthens our industry’s reputation, as a business sector dedicated to improving the lives of all our members, stakeholders, communities and countries.”
Commenting David Bouffard, RJC Chair, said: “We welcome this partnership with WDC. For over 15 years, RJC has taken a leading role on sustainable development and helping increase the integrity of the global jewelry supply chain. We believe in shared values and we are encouraged by the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise in standard-setting with WDC members.”
WDC urges enhanced due diligence in respect to rough diamond exports believed to have originated from the Central African Republic
FEBRUARY 24, 2021
In light of recent reports by the international media, observers on the ground and NGOs about political unrest in the Central African Republic (CAR), the World Diamond Council (WDC) reiterates its call to members of the diamond industry to carry out enhanced due diligence when considering the purchase of goods that are known to have originated or are suspected of having originated in the country.
Over the past several weeks, it has been reported that the CAR capital of Bangui and other major towns have come under fire from rebel fighters. The officially elected government and its allied forces are strongly fighting armed rebel groups siding with the political opposition. The situation has caused many civilians to seek refuge in other parts of the nation or neighboring countries, such as the DRC.
Due to the political unrest, and in accordance with the special operational framework that was approved in November 2019 by the Kimberley Process, the WDC urges all members of the trade to continue conducting enhanced due diligence, regarding the import of rough diamonds from the CAR and its neighboring countries. Although diamond production from conflict-affected areas in CAR represents only a very small percentage of global diamond production, diamond businesses should exercise the utmost caution.
The only rough diamonds sourced in the CAR that currently can be purchased legitimately are those that meet the minimum requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPSC) and are accompanied by official CAR Kimberley Process (KP) certificates. These indicate that the diamonds were mined in KP-compliant “green” zones, which are areas under secure CAR-government control that show no evidence of armed rebel group activity.
The WDC calls on the entire industry to uphold the integrity of the diamond supply chain by proactively implementing the guidelines contained in the WDC’s new System of Warranties. These include addressing risks in areas beyond those covered by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, including human and labor rights, AML and anti-corruption.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Udi Sheintal, WDC Secretary and CAR MT Representative
secretary@worlddiamondcouncil.org
WDC’s 2020 AGM focuses on the latest KP developments
and industry’s efforts to source responsibly, despite pandemic
OCTOBER 26, 2020
ABOVE: Participants during the virtual 2020 WDC Annual General Meeting, clockwise from top, center: David Prager, Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs, De Beers Group; Edahn Golan, industry analyst and the panel moderator; Ronnie Vanderlinden, WDC Treasurer; Elodie Daguzan, WDC Executive Director; and Edward Asscher WDC President.
Members of the World Diamond Council assembled for the organization’s Annual General Meeting on October 19, 2020, joined by invited guests, among them representatives of the governments involved in the Kimberley Process and members of civil society. In contrast to previous WDC AGMs, this gathering was not held in person but rather by videoconference, a consequence of the many travel restrictions in place worldwide because of the COVID-19 health crisis.
The new format of the AGM allowed for an abbreviated 90-minute session, comprised of a keynote address by David Prager, Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs at the De Beers Group, on the industry’s role to meet the expectations of the changing consumer, and a panel discussion led by Edahn Golan, a noted industry analyst, with Mr. Prager and Mr. Asscher, the WDC President. It was followed by the more formal AGM agenda, with reports by the WDC President, WDC Executive Director Elodie Daguzan and WDC Treasurer Ronnie Vanderlinden.
The dominant theme of the 2020 AGM was the industry’s obligation to maintain and grow consumer confidence in the sector. It focused on the critical role that institutional organizations like the KP and the WDC, through its System of Warranties, have in providing a backbone to this mission, particularly in a market that is being fundamentally impacted by the global pandemic. In his report to the AGM, Mr. Asscher spoke about the act of gifting a natural diamond as a symbol of love and appreciation for those who are closest to you. This is due to the emotional connection of consumers to diamonds, and it is a connection that is underpinned by trust.
“Today’s consumers understand very well that loving relationships are so important in these difficult times,” the WDC President said. “Diamonds are still considered symbols of loving relationships but now consumers all over the world are asking for more. The key words today are sustainability, ethically sourced diamonds, and proof of respect for human rights. The WDC is key to setting those conditions, together with the KP member governments and the NGOs.”
This sentiment was underscored in his keynote address by Mr. Prager. Recent developments, he said, “…have reinforced the importance of brands not only to take a stand, but for brands to take action. It can be demonstrated today that being a brand is more than just selling a product that consumers want. It is also about understanding what matters to those consumers and how your brands align with their values in a meaningful way.”
Research today indicates that social purpose is the new status of luxury goods, Mr. Prager stressed, pointing out that consumers want the products they buy “not to be part of the problem, but rather part of the solution to important global issues.”
This sentiment was underscored in his keynote address by Mr. Prager. Recent developments, he said, “…have reinforced the importance of brands not only to take a stand, but for brands to take action. It can be demonstrated today that being a brand is more than just selling a product that consumers want. It is also about understanding what matters to those consumers and how your brands align with their values in a meaningful way.”
Research today indicates that social purpose is the new status of luxury goods, Mr. Prager stressed, pointing out that consumers want the products they buy “not to be part of the problem, but rather part of the solution to important global issues.”
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) has played a critical role in defending the integrity of the diamond supply chain, Mr. Prager stated, but it would be incorrect to regard it as a complete solution. Explaining his point by way of a metaphor, he noted that a traffic light is an important element in regulating the movement of cars, but in and of itself it will not completely prevent speeding. Other solutions are required, like speed bumps and speed traps. In a similar way, he said, a regulatory mechanism like the KPCS must be supported in its protection of the diamond value chain by other systems, like the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, as well as the new WDC System of Warranties and the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Code of Practices.
Asked by the panel discussion moderator about the path forward for the KP, Mr. Asscher spoke about the introduction of Seven Principles in support of responsible sourcing at the KP. These, he said, include complying with international conventions related to human rights, labor rights, environmental practices, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, as well as supporting the development of communities in the mining and production areas, and disclosing and differentiating natural and synthetic diamonds.
“Those seven principles, if we are able to reach consensus at the KP, will have a remarkable impact on the influence and recognition of these topics as part of the whole KP system,” he said.
WDC President applauds GemFair-GIZ-MRU agreement
to deliver training on responsible ASM standards in West Africa
JULY 8, 2020
Edward Asscher, President of the World Diamond Council, has expressed the WDC’s strong support for an agreement announced today by the De Beers Group’s GemFair initiative, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Mano River Union (MRU), according to which the three bodies will collaborate in the development and delivery of a regional training program that promotes safe and responsible operating standards in the artisanal and small-scale mining sectors (ASM) in the MRU member countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Ivory Coast.
“It is projects like these that demonstrate the capacity of the Kimberley Process and its partners to go beyond the traditional scope of conflict prevention, by also building real grass-roots capacity and economic opportunity in the countries where diamonds are mined,” Mr. Asscher said. “Furthermore, by taking a regional, rather than a country-by-country approach, not only is it possible to offer solutions that are more effective, because supply chains do not stop at border crossings, but also to deliver effective results simultaneously to a considerably larger number of ASM communities than otherwise would be possible. It is an approach that WDC has promoted within the KP for many years.”
Mr. Asscher expressed his pride that a WDC member, the De Beers Group, will be playing a key role in the venture. “The strength of the KP is vested in the synergies created by the coalition of its government and non-government participants, and once again our industry is showing that it is ready to step up to the plate. By teaming up with GIZ and MRU, GemFair will be providing critically needed training about safe and environmentally responsible mining techniques to artisanal miners, government officials and civil society activists in all the MRU countries.”
The proposed regional training program will enhance capacities, promote knowledge sharing and build a comprehensive understanding of mine site health and safety, environmental management, ethical sourcing standards and diamond valuation among miners, government officials and civil society activists in the four MRU countries. Covering the gold and diamond sectors, it will be operated as part of GIZ’s Regional Resource Governance Program, which is implemented on behalf of the German Development Corporation (through the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development) and the European Union. GemFair will design the training curricula and provide staff and expertise to deliver the training.
Edward Asscher named President of the World Diamond Council
JUNE 8, 2020
Edward Asscher is the new President of the World Diamond Council (WDC), the international organization that is charged with leading the industry’s effort to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the jewelry supply chain and with representing it in the tripartite Kimberley Process coalition. Formerly the WDC Vice President, he assumed the role during a virtual Board Meeting on June 5, 2020, taking over from Stephane Fischler, who had served first as WDC’s Acting President, starting in 2017, and then for two years as President, beginning in 2018.
During the virtual meeting, the WDC Board also confirmed the election of Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of International Relations & Ethical Initiatives at the De Beers Group, as WDC Vice President, the first woman ever to hold the position. According to the WDC bylaws, she will automatically become WDC President at the end of Mr. Asscher’s two-year term in 2022.
The Board also confirmed the reelection of Ronnie Vanderlinden, President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), as WDC Treasurer, and the appointment of Udi Sheintal as WDC Secretary.
A member of one of the diamond industry and Amsterdam’s most well-known families, Mr. Asscher will be serving a second term as WDC President, having held the role from 2014 to 2016.
Edward Asscher, President of the World Diamond Council.
Mr. Asscher currently is also Vice President of the European Council of Diamond Manufacturers, and is a past President of both IDMA and the International Diamond Council (IDC), a diamond standards-setting organization affiliated to IDMA and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).
In public life Mr. Asscher has also served in functions outside of the diamond industry. A past President of the Liberal Party in Amsterdam, he was elected Senator for this party in the Dutch parliament, serving in the upper house from 2007 to 2011.
“I am honored to be able to serve once again as WDC President, and to head a body whose entire purpose is to protect the integrity of the natural diamond, and also that of the industry that mines, manufactures and sells it, enabling all stakeholders to gain maximum benefit from revenues generated, especially in the developing world,” said Mr. Asscher. “In taking over from Stephane, I am filling giant shoes. As WDC President he spoke with a clear moral voice, emphasizing the natural diamond’s potential to act as catalyst for social and economic development. This is a theme that I will continue over the coming two years.”
“The past three years have been a highlight of my long career in the diamond industry,” said Mr. Fischler. “They have reconfirmed my belief that as a business community we have the capacity to positively change both people’s lives and livelihoods at the grass-roots level, and we have contributed to this by developing governance standards that will be implemented across the value chain. It has been a privilege to serve alongside WDC’s officers, directors, and member companies and trade organizations, and I am delighted to be handing the torch over to Edward, who once again will bring to the role of President his wealth of wisdom and experience.”
The WDC's first-ever woman Vice President, Feriel Zerouki.
En mémoire de Didier Giard
Didier lors des 18ème Rendez-Vous Gemmologiques en septembre 2019.
Crédit photo: Association Française de Gemmologie.
MAI 7, 2020
Notre industrie a perdu bien trop tôt une de ses gemmes les plus précieuses. Didier Giard était un homme qui réussit à personnifier le meilleur de ce que notre communauté de la joaillerie et des pierres précieuses aspire à trouver en chacun: un sens de l’Histoire et de la tradition, une poursuite incessante du savoir et de la compréhension, une appréciation de l’égalité et de la responsabilité et un engagement envers le service public.
Et bien que sa réputation le précédât, je n’ai rencontré Didier pour la première fois qu’en avril 2019 à Paris, à l’occasion du Forum sur les Chaines d’Approvisionnement de l’OCDE. Il m’a approcha à la fin de l’une des sessions et m’invita à participer à la prochaine conférence annuelle de l’Association Française de Gemmologie dont il était le président.
De toute évidence, c’est un homme passionné qui se tenait devant moi. Complimentant le WDC pour son travail et son engagement, il me dit à quel point il était important pour lui que je vienne partager notre expérience avec les membres de l’industrie française, et en particulier avec les maisons de haute joaillerie et les joailliers indépendants. En m’expliquant le programme qu’il avait en tête pour cet évènement, Didier me fascina par sa vision d’ensemble et à la fois très précise des dynamiques actuelles du monde politico-économique. Il était convaincu que la valeur d’une pierre précieuse ne tenait pas seulement à ses caractéristiques physiques mais aussi à son pouvoir en tant que vecteur de développement économique et social pour les pays qui la produise.
Didier était un homme doté d’une vision du monde au sens large du terme. La géopolitique était sans aucun doute un sujet qui le fascinait, et il admirait notamment le Kimberley Process qui, selon lui, était unique en son genre car ayant réussi l’impossible : rassembler autour d’un objectif commun les plus grands acteurs du monde développé ainsi que ceux en voie de développement.
En apprenant à mieux le connaitre, j’ai eu la chance d’être non seulement témoin de sa curiosité et de son esprit acéré, mais aussi de sa générosité. Récemment, Didier m’avait invité à participer à une séance de l'Académie des Sciences d'Outre-Mer, une autre organisation dont il était membre. Le thème couvrait un sujet qui lui était cher : « Gemmes, Joaillerie et Mondialisation : les mutations en cours ».
Pour Didier, le monde des pierres précieuses n’avait que peu de secrets, mais recelait selon lui une beauté infinie. C’était un hôte hors pair, prêt à tout pour nous distraire, comme ce fameux soir où lors d’un diner dans un restaurant parisien, il s’est levé pour nous faire chanter avec lui “Emmenez-moi” de Charles Aznavour que le pianiste venait d’entamer…
Malheureusement, il n’y aura plus de diners parisiens avec cet enfant de Montmartre, mais le souvenir de cet homme brillant et empli de compassion restera à jamais gravé dans nos mémoires
Stephane Fischler
President, World Diamond Council (WDC)
