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On Wednesday January 30th, AWDC, in cooperation with the Global Compact Network Belgium and VOKA – Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antwerp-Waasland, organized an Antwerp Diamond Academy dedicated to Sustainability.
During an interesting panel discussion, three local companies - Studio Spark, Bostoen and Bopro – as well as the NGO Bond Beter leefmilieu illustrated how a sustainable business model contributes to society as a whole, but more importantly how it adds value to business. Through specific cases and topics such as innovation, business models and products, the audience learned how corporate social responsibility involves tangible opportunities.
“In the diamond industry, AWDC wants to be a role model by developing various sustainability initiatives”, said Ari Epstein, CEO AWDC. “As member of the UN Global Compact and Kauri, we are working together with associations as WeForest and Camille Paulus Jeugd Sportfonds regarding sustainability topics. Moreover in June of this year, AWDC will present its first sustainability report. These projects are all part of the idea behind the fifth C, the C for Confidence, Compliance and Corporate Social Responsibility.”
Afterwards, the audience was invited to a New Year’s reception to network and share experiences.
“Knowledge is experience, … experience is knowledge; if we want to make it work, it is crucial to share our experiences; not just at seminars and workshops, but at any occasion”, Epstein concluded.
Click here for photo's of this event
AWDC celebrates the success of the Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Helpdesk, set up to advise and assist all Antwerp diamond dealers with respect to anti-money laundering and other compliance issues. We already assist 1 out of 4 registered diamond dealers in completing their annual Anti-Money Laundering declaration. Other activities of the helpdesk include:
- Answering questions such as: ‘What are the cash restrictions in Hong Kong?’ And ‘How do I protect my intellectual property?’
- Maintaining and completing the ‘doing business in Antwerp’ chapter on the AWDC website, which will be available in hardcopy soon.
- Organizing specific seminars specifically aimed at resolving questions regarding Anti-Money Laundering, as from the 2nd half of 2013.
- And much more….
Last week, you most likely received a letter from the Federal Public Service (FPS) Economy, requesting to complete your annual anti-money laundering declaration (AML-declaration). If you haven't received the declaration, you can download the form here.
Please check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) online.
You can contact the AML and Compliance Helpdesk to make an appointment via:
Marijke Achten - legal & compliance officer AWDC
tel: 03 222 05 06, email: marijke.achten@awdc.be
Trissia Stavropoulos - Senior manager HR, Legal & Compliance
tel: 03 222 05 03, email: trst@awdc.be
After 13 consecutive years at the head of the diamond and jewelry organization, Eli Izhakoff has announced that he will conclude his term as President of the World Diamond Council on June 30, 2013.
Mr. Izhakoff’s decision was not sudden and was entirely personal. He had informed the WDC Board of Directors about his intention at the WDC Annual Meeting in Vicenza, Italy, already in May of last year, and had said then that he would allow ample time for a successor to be elected and a smooth transition to take place.
“It has been an often challenging, but always inspiring period of my career,” said Mr. Izhakoff, “and one of which I am immensely proud. The World Diamond Council, which was created in response to one of the gravest crises to face our industry, not only was instrumental in creating the system that blocked the flow of conflict diamonds into the legitimate trade, but it also changed the way in which we see our role as a business community in a greater society.”
Mr. Izhakoff said that he plans to remain involved in the life of the diamond and jewelry industries, and will continue to support the mission and principles of the World Diamond Council.
Ari Epstein: “I want to explicitly thank Eli Izhakoff for many years of deep commitment, and especially for the wise decisions and effort he invested over the past few years. The WDC wouldn’t be the institute it is today without his skillful leadership. I dare say it will be a tough job for his successor to fill his shoes.”
South African Chair Ambassador Welile Nhlapo welcomes the People's Republic of China as KP Vice-Chair 2013. According to the Administrative decision on rules and criteria for selecting candidates for Vice-Chair of Kimberley Process, the requirements for approval by written procedure have been met and the KP Vice-Chair has been chosen. The KP Chair endorses the People's Republic of China as the selected Vice-Chair for KP in 2013. Ari Epstein: “As friends of the People's Republic of China we are convinced that China, as one of the world’s biggest diamond markets, will have a significant and valuable contribution to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. We wish the new Vice-Chair the best of luck and look forward to continue our constructive cooperation with the KP in 2013.”
Last month, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, in cooperation with WeForest, sent out unique, seed paper season's wishes. The idea is an initiative of WeForest, an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to sustainable reforestation, for example in areas that are affected by the mining industry.
The special wishes symbolize AWDC's commitment to defend the integrity of the diamond by initiating several projects to address environmental, ethical and societal issues.
As a result, AWDC was able to donate € 4.300 to WeForest.
Due to the snowy weather, AWDC decided to buy a snowplough to ensure snow free and safe streets.
However, we remind you that it is the responsibility of building owners to clean the pavement in front of their building.
It is with great pleasure that you are invited by First Element (Pty) Ltd to attend the February 2013 Diamond Tender of Firestone Diamonds (Botswana) (Pty) (Lty). Production from Liqhobong Mine in Lesotho will be shown on the tender. The tender will be held in the new Antwerp Diamond Tender Facility located in Antwerp, Belgium.
The viewing will take place from Wednesday the 13th of February 2013 until Wednesday the 20th of February 2013 from 9:00 to 18:00 on each day except the final day. The tender will close at 15:00 on Wednesday the 20th of February.
There will be more than 30 000 carats (original mine production) on tender, ranging from minus 5 (sieve size) run of mine goods up to a 42 carat single stone. The full list of diamonds will be made available shortly before the tender.
Bookings will be taken from Monday the 21st of January 2013, please contact Edward Wilkes on the following:
Mobile: 00267 71200782
Landline: 00267 3105307
Email: Ed@firstelement.co.bw
Firestone Diamonds (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd and First Element (Pty) Ltd will not be held liable for any delays.
More info about the Antwerp Diamond Tender Facility
