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GIA Joins Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030
The institute will work with the organization to develop environmental, social, and governance content for its education programs.
Pictured, from left to right, are Iris Van der Veken, WJI 2030 executive director and secretary general; Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO; and Johanna Levy, GIA vice president of environmental, sustainability and governance programs, at the Jewelers Mutual “Conversations in Park City” event in October.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America has joined the newly formed Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 as part of its effort to advance sustainability in its operations and throughout the industry.
GIA will be an affiliate member, working with WJI to develop environmental, social, and governance (ESG) content for its education programs.
It makes GIA the first gemological research, education, and laboratory organization to join, according to WJI 2030.
Earlier this year, GIA committed to converting to digital-only reports by 2025 to avoid the use of tons of paper and plastic every year and reduce shipping-related carbon emissions.
It will start with its Diamond Dossier in January.
GIA has also added the Source Verification Service to its gem origin programs to respond to the consumer demand and market need for verified diamond sourcing information.
In 2017, GIA launched a gem guide for artisanal miners, which the lab said, “continues to have a verifiable positive impact on the livelihoods of individuals—many women—and mining communities in East Africa.”
GIA is a member of the U.N. Global Compact and the Responsible Jewellery Council.
“GIA is very proud to support the ambitious goals and aspirations of WJI 2030 as an extension of our commitment to a more sustainable future for the world, our industry and our Institute,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques.
“We look forward to bringing our expertise, resources and focus on protecting consumers to support this important new initiative.”
Launched in October 2021 by Kering and Cartier, WJI 2030 has three primary objectives for the watch and jewelry industry: building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness.
It is guided by the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
WJI 2030 held its first member workshop in October in Paris.
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GIA will be an affiliate member, working with WJI to develop environmental, social, and governance (ESG) content for its education programs.
It makes GIA the first gemological research, education, and laboratory organization to join, according to WJI 2030.
Earlier this year, GIA committed to converting to digital-only reports by 2025 to avoid the use of tons of paper and plastic every year and reduce shipping-related carbon emissions.
It will start with its Diamond Dossier in January.
GIA has also added the Source Verification Service to its gem origin programs to respond to the consumer demand and market need for verified diamond sourcing information.
In 2017, GIA launched a gem guide for artisanal miners, which the lab said, “continues to have a verifiable positive impact on the livelihoods of individuals—many women—and mining communities in East Africa.”
GIA is a member of the U.N. Global Compact and the Responsible Jewellery Council.
“GIA is very proud to support the ambitious goals and aspirations of WJI 2030 as an extension of our commitment to a more sustainable future for the world, our industry and our Institute,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques.
“We look forward to bringing our expertise, resources and focus on protecting consumers to support this important new initiative.”
Launched in October 2021 by Kering and Cartier, WJI 2030 has three primary objectives for the watch and jewelry industry: building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness.
It is guided by the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
WJI 2030 held its first member workshop in October in Paris.
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