Speaking to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri expressed the commitment of the international jewellery, gemstone and precious metals industries to the fulfilment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, noting that “Our world faces unprecedented challenges, but together we still have the opportunity to construct a better future for all, building resilience and leaving no one behind.”
The CIBJO President was among a handful of NGO leaders selected to address the 79th sitting of the UNGA, with only one NGO delegate being provided the opportunity to speak each half-day session to the gathering of world leaders. CIBJO has served as the global jewellery sector’s sole representative in the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2006, when it was granted Special Consultative Status in the organisation.
“We are fully committed to reinforce the 2030 Agenda and to eradicate poverty during these times of multiple crises, through the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions” the CIBJO President stated. “With only seven years left to meet the goals of the 2030 Agenda, we all need to scale up.”
The CIBJO President concluded his statement by outlining concrete measures being undertaken at present, to develop structured ESG models for the jewellery industry, rather than the more aspirational CSR models that earlier had driven CIBJO’s approach.