CSR in Action

CSR in action

Over the past 10 years, an increasing number of guidelines, standards and codes of conduct have been elaborated within, and outside the diamond and jewelry industry in order to promote corporate social responsibility across the supply chain, from the mine to retail.

Although some standards are progressively being accepted, there are still questions regarding their relevance, their applicability, their reporting process and their linkages with international agreements.

This wealth of knowledge is, however, scattered and may appear too complex for most small and medium size companies. SMEs are therefore reluctant to engage in CSR. There is a need to establish a concrete link between theory and development challenges on the ground.

UNITAR and the FairGemsProcess have joined forces to develop a new training program for the jewelry industry made of:

• Field visits to understand where stones come from and see how good practices can have a positive impact on development challenges;
   
• Strategic seminars that allow companies to develop a culture of social responsibility practices embedded in their business model.

This unique programme includes a 6-day field visit in Sri Lanka followed with a 2-day seminar in Antwerp, Geneva, or in your region.

The 6-day field visit in Sri Lanka (Beruwala) includes 4 modules:

• Mining (color stones): visit of small scale mines;
   
• Markets: visit of 1st and 2nd color stone markets in Sri Lanka;
   
• Manufacturing: visit of a color stones manufacturing school;
   
• Marketing: building your Unique Selling Point out of this new knowledge. 

The 2-day strategic seminar delivered in Antwerp or other locations includes 2 modules on:

• Social responsibility: linking the UN Global Compact Principles and the implementation of CSR;
   
• Sustainability and ethical jewelry

At the end of the strategic seminar, and upon presentation of a short report from the field visit, participants receive a Certificate of Completion.

• Download the programme of the field visits and strategic seminars (PDF 69 kb)

Tentative schedule of the filed visits and seminars

For more information please contact antwerp-itcco@unitar.org