AWDC organizes stakeholder panel on sustainability

Precisely one year after the launch of its first sustainability report, on 2 July AWDC entered into dialogue with its stakeholders about the organization’s role, responsibility and policy with regard to sustainability. Half of the group of twenty stakeholders consisted of people who are active in or familiar with the diamond industry. The other half was composed of sustainability experts or people who are specialized in sustainability reporting.

Under the supervision of Antwerp-ITCCO, the stakeholders were divided in to small groups and encouraged to share their opinion about the AWDC sustainability report, about the role and responsibility of AWDC with respect to sustainability, and about activities and initiatives that AWDC should undertake in order to achieve a sustainable diamond industry.

The stakeholders unanimously declared that AWDC has an important role to play in this regard, particularly by setting a good example and encouraging the industry to implement responsible and sustainable business practices. The sustainability report, which last year won the “Award for Best Belgian Sustainability Report”, received a positive evaluation. Still, the stakeholders believe that AWDC should be more ambitious, should outline a strategy with a view to the future and should attach clear objectives to this strategy.

In the opinion of the stakeholders, AWDC does not sufficiently involve the end user of diamonds – the consumer who buys diamond jewelry – in the process. In order to obtain better insight into the attitudes and expectations with regard to the diamond industry, the stakeholders advised AWDC to conduct a large-scale survey, particularly among this group of (potential) buyers. A crucial aspect of AWDC’s sustainability policy is indeed to ensure that the diamond industry can make a sustainable contribution to society as a whole, while keeping in mind the current challenges facing the industry.

AWDC will use the reactions of its stakeholders to shape its sustainability policy. In order to gain a better understanding of the coming challenges with regard to sustainability, in future AWDC will organize a similar consultation specifically for representatives of companies that are active in the diamond industry. This event will be conducted in English so that every interested party can participate.

If you are interested in participating in this consultation, or if you would like to remain informed about AWDC’s activities with regard to sustainability, then send an e-mail to the AWDC Public Affairs team at: publicaffairs@awdc.eu. Photos from the stakeholder panel are available here.