Speaking to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri expressed the international jewellery, gemstone, and precious metals industries’ commitment to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, stating, “Our world faces unprecedented challenges, but together we still have the opportunity to construct a better future for all, building resilience and leaving no one behind.”
The CIBJO President was one of only a few NGO leaders chosen to address the UNGA‘s 79th session, with only one NGO delegate allowed to speak to the assembly of world leaders during each half-day. CIBJO has been the sole representation of the global jewellery sector in the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2006, when it was awarded Special Consultative Status.
“We are fully committed to reinforce the 2030 Agenda and to eradicate poverty during these times of multiple crises, through the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions” according to the president of CIBJO. “With only seven years left to meet the goals of the 2030 Agenda, we all need to scale up.”
The CIBJO President continued his message by highlighting tangible steps being taken now to build structured ESG models for the jewellery sector, as opposed to the more aspirational CSR models that had previously guided CIBJO‘s approach.