The era of sustainability is dilating at large and mankind is inching towards green steps, conscious choices and accomplishing sustainable goals, these are making industries uncover and lean on the shoulders of improved and advanced techniques that preserve the planet and its people at the same time. The collaboration of WJI 2030 and UN Sustainable Goals has dawned pathways that stroll towards and are destined for these green goals.
Kering and Cartier have established The Watch & Jewelry Initiative (WJI) 2030, a global and cross-border initiative that welcomes all Watch and Jewelry dealers who operate at the international or national level and are committed to promoting environmental sustainability in key areas of development. WJI 2030 aims to promote climate sustainability, resource replenishment, and inclusivity in all of its efforts. "The objective is to develop a replicable and scalable framework to enhance responsible supply-chain practices,” said WJI 2030.
The initiative is guided by the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and it has identified practical approaches to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. This aligned movement, propelled by a joint conviction of locating patterns of sustainability in the Watch and Jewelry industries, welcomes companies and stakeholders to integrate with this vision and make this initiative go places.
"What we have seen, all across the industry, is the increasing concerns every day from everywhere, from the civil society, employees, customers and shareholders about environmental issues and societal issues", said Cyrille Vigneron, CEO of Cartier, "and to make sure that all members of the profession are committed on this one, but as soon as you come to this kind of societal or environmental issue, you can't do anything alone. You have to commit to the entire supply chain".
With a clear goal, innovative vision, and strong support, there is potential to expand the boundaries for progress and address the ongoing changes in the industry. This may not be an easy task, but the WJI 2030 initiative is establishing a robust governance framework to help industries and enterprises advance towards sustainability, one objective at a time. Through this approach, there is potential to achieve substantial improvements in the industry's sustainability practices.
How is WJI 2030 concocting transparency between enterprises & their ethical success?
In October 2021, the WJI 2030 team and several representatives from the world's prominent watch, jewellery and diamond brands as the Initiative members joined its inaugural workshop in Paris. It was kept up to inspect the existing sustainability scenario in the Watch and Jewellery industry.
A collective approach of garnering ideas for marking a vision and structuring governance goals along with collaborations and partnerships. This demonstrated how keenly WJI 2030 has turned on with the vision of assembling a positive impression of sustainability in the industry. Even in collaboration with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), the French Union of Jewellery (UFBJOP), and the design department at Italy’s Politecnico di Milano University, both organizations have decided to launch a working group.
The Solutions Lab claimed, "an attempt to prove that it is possible — and profitable — for small businesses [in the industry] to do the right thing, the right way.” The growth of these companies and enterprises will ultimately uplift the world economies from issues like poverty and underdevelopment with increasing opportunities and empowerment among the workers.
One of the main objectives of WJI 2030 is to assist companies in the Watch and Jewelry industry during their early stages by providing personalized guidance and practical expertise. This is aimed at promoting job creation, economic and social development, as well as the financial empowerment and well-being of those involved in the industry.
Followed by a formal consultation process where the content development will be handled and contributed by the NGOs and industry players along with the best practices by both. The Solutions Lab and major industries will also contribute their best practices to content development. The trade body recognizes that collaborative efforts with determined cooperation can lead to significant progress. To this end, human rights are a central component of inclusive policy. The aim is to collectively achieve substantial advancements with respect to these goals.
In addition to prioritizing innovation and technology, another important aspect of the initiative is to encourage more young people to join the trade. By attracting talented individuals with fresh perspectives, the industry can provide opportunities for learning and growth, ultimately contributing to the nation's progress.
WJI 2030 and its vision climbing greater heights
“Sustainable development is not something you commit to for competitive advantage", urged Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering. Keeping alive the same spirit, WJI 2030 has influenced positive transitions in the industry and is reaching one peak after another. “Just six months on from launching the WJI 2030 it is inspiring to see response and enthusiasm for positive change,” continued Marie-Claire, “The newest members are important additions to the initiative, and I commend their commitment to join us in building a more sustainable sector”.
With the pronounced progress, even GIA (Gemological Institute of America) tied up with WIJ 2030. Meanwhile, GIA president and CEO, Susan Jacques revealed, “GIA is very proud to support the ambitious goals and aspirations of WIJ 2030 as an extension of our commitment to a more sustainable future for our world, our industry and our Institute. We look forward to bringing our expertise, resources and focus on protecting consumers to support this important new initiative”.
Design Creation considers the significant reflection of these steps taken by WJI 2030 and upholds its vision to the best by implying consistent planning to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, embracing aspiring young talents, taking eco-friendly paths while cooperating with this redefined belief to revive the sustainable and economic transitions in the industry. “A commitment towards the environment comes with an output, great for both, the planet as well the people,” Design Creation believes, “and so we always envision the resilient commitments that keep our earth in high spirits”.
