Diamonds Do Good: Celebrating Sustainable Impact and Community Building in the Diamond Industry

The global diamond industry is increasingly dedicated to fostering positive change, not just through economic prosperity but also through profound social and environmental contributions. At the forefront of this movement is the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.), an organization committed to supporting education and health initiatives in diamond-producing communities worldwide. Each year, D.E.F. shines a spotlight on exemplary efforts through its prestigious ‘Diamonds Do Good’ Awards, celebrating entities and individuals who embody the spirit of responsible practices and community upliftment.

The 2018 ‘Diamonds Do Good’ Awards gala, a highlight of the industry calendar, was hosted with great fanfare on May 31 at the opulent Four Seasons Ballroom in Las Vegas, Nevada. This pivotal event served as a platform to honor three distinguished recipients for their unwavering commitment to community-building, demonstrating how the diamond sector can be a powerful force for good. The esteemed honorees included Bruce Cleaver, the visionary CEO of De Beers Group; the Government of Canada’s Northwest Territories, recognized for its forward-thinking governance; and Rolex, the iconic luxury brand synonymous with enduring excellence and profound philanthropic endeavors.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.): A Mission of Impact

The Diamond Empowerment Fund operates on a simple yet powerful philosophy: that diamonds, from mine to market, can empower communities. By investing in vital programs that enhance education, improve healthcare, and foster economic development, D.E.F. ensures that the benefits of the diamond industry reach those who need it most. The ‘Diamonds Do Good’ Awards are central to this mission, serving not only to recognize outstanding achievements but also to inspire others within the industry to elevate their standards of social responsibility. These awards underscore the collective belief that every diamond tells a story of positive impact, making them symbols of hope and progress around the globe.

Recognizing Exemplary Contributions to Community-Building

The criteria for the ‘Diamonds Do Good’ Awards are stringent, focusing on measurable and sustainable efforts that genuinely transform lives and environments. The 2018 recipients were lauded for their diverse yet equally impactful contributions, each demonstrating a unique pathway to community enrichment and ethical leadership. The awards categories were carefully designed to reflect the multi-faceted nature of corporate social responsibility and governmental accountability.

Diamonds Do Good Responsible Government Award: Presented to the Government of Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Diamonds Do Good Global Corporate Spirit Award: Bestowed upon Rolex.
Diamonds Do Good Professional Advancement Award: Honoring Bruce Cleaver, CEO of De Beers Group.

Northwest Territories: A Global Standard for Responsible Governance

The Government of Canada’s Northwest Territories was deservingly honored with the Diamonds Do Good Responsible Government Award for its exemplary mineral development strategy. This comprehensive strategy stands as a testament to how natural resource extraction can be managed ethically and sustainably, delivering substantial benefits to local populations while safeguarding precious ecosystems. The NWT government’s approach is multifaceted, meticulously designed to create a harmonious balance between economic growth and societal well-being.

Key pillars of this award-winning strategy include:

Robust Environmental Protection: Implementing stringent regulations and innovative practices to minimize the ecological footprint of mining operations, ensuring the pristine northern environment remains healthy for future generations.
Enhanced Indigenous Engagement: Prioritizing meaningful consultation and partnership with Indigenous communities, recognizing their rights, knowledge, and ancestral ties to the land. This fosters mutual respect and ensures that benefits are shared equitably.
Community Capacity Building: Investing in local infrastructure, education, and skill development programs that empower residents to participate actively in and benefit from the diamond industry. This includes vocational training, scholarships, and support for local businesses.
Promotion of Sustainability: Integrating long-term sustainability principles into all aspects of resource development, from responsible extraction methods to post-mining land reclamation, ensuring a lasting positive legacy.
Leveraging a Local Workforce: Creating direct employment opportunities and fostering an environment where local residents are trained and employed in high-value roles within the industry, thereby strengthening regional economies.
Fostering Attractive Investment Opportunities: By demonstrating unwavering commitment to responsible practices, the NWT government attracts ethical investors, ensuring that economic development aligns with social and environmental values, ultimately benefiting local communities through stable, long-term growth.

The NWT model showcases how governmental leadership can create a flourishing mineral sector that genuinely serves its people and protects its natural heritage, making it a benchmark for responsible resource management globally.

Rolex: An Enduring Legacy of Global Corporate Spirit and Philanthropy

Rolex, a name synonymous with precision, innovation, and timeless elegance, received the Diamonds Do Good Global Corporate Spirit Award, acknowledging its profound and continuous commitment to philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR). For Rolex, CSR is not merely a department but an intrinsic part of its corporate DNA, woven into the very fabric of its culture since its inception. This deep-seated commitment manifests most prominently through the remarkable Rolex Awards for Enterprise.

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise program stands as a beacon of hope and support for extraordinary individuals who possess the rare combination of passion, commitment, and groundbreaking vision to improve life on our planet. Known as Rolex Laureates, these remarkable individuals span a wide age range, from vibrant 24-year-olds to seasoned 74-year-olds, united by their dedication to transformative projects. Their collective efforts have touched the lives of millions across more than 60 countries, demonstrating the profound impact that sustained philanthropic support can achieve. The breadth of their endeavors is truly inspiring:

Implementing Technological and Scientific Innovations: Pioneering new solutions to address pressing global challenges.
Protecting Endangered Species and Ecosystems: Spearheading conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity and natural habitats.
Exploring New Frontiers: Pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and discovery, whether in space, under the sea, or within remote landscapes.
Reviving Time-Honored Practices: Preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage that offers sustainable solutions for modern challenges.
Protecting Forgotten Peoples: Advocating for marginalized communities and safeguarding their unique cultures and ways of life.
Providing Essential Resources: Delivering safe, affordable water, sustainable energy solutions, secure shelter, nutritious food, vital medicine, and essential healthcare services in developing countries, directly improving quality of life.

Rolex’s unwavering dedication to these global initiatives exemplifies a corporate spirit that transcends commercial objectives, fostering a legacy of positive influence that continues to reverberate across the globe.

Bruce Cleaver, De Beers Group CEO: Championing Professional Advancement and Gender Equality

Bruce Cleaver, the insightful CEO of De Beers Group, was honored with the Diamonds Do Good Professional Advancement Award, recognizing his zealous pursuit of advancing women and girls within the diamond industry and beyond. Under Mr. Cleaver’s dynamic leadership, De Beers has undertaken groundbreaking initiatives that position the company as a leader in corporate gender equality and empowerment. His commitment reflects a profound understanding that diversity and inclusion are not just ethical imperatives but essential drivers of innovation and sustainable growth.

Central to Mr. Cleaver’s vision is a strategic partnership with UN Women, a collaboration designed to create tangible, systemic change. This partnership is anchored by several ambitious goals:

Achieving Gender Parity in Senior Leadership: A firm commitment to ensure equal representation of women and men in senior leadership roles across De Beers by 2020, demonstrating a clear pathway to equitable career progression.
Investing in Women Micro-Entrepreneurs: Providing crucial financial and developmental support to women-led small businesses in diamond-producing countries, empowering them to achieve economic independence and contribute to local economies.
Supporting STEM Students: Investing in young women pursuing education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields within diamond-producing nations, thereby fostering the next generation of female leaders and innovators in critical sectors.
Promoting Gender Equality Through Marketing: Ensuring that all De Beers’ brands and marketing campaigns are a positive force for supporting gender equality, challenging stereotypes, and promoting empowering narratives that resonate with diverse audiences globally.

In powerful recognition of his profound commitment to this cause, UN Women named Mr. Cleaver a ‘HeForShe’ Thematic Champion. HeForShe is the United Nations’ global movement dedicated to accelerating gender equality, engaging men and boys as advocates and agents of change. Mr. Cleaver’s role as a champion highlights the critical importance of male leadership in driving gender equity initiatives, setting a powerful example for the entire industry.

The Broader Message: Diamonds Do Good for a Better World

Anna Martin, President of D.E.F. and Senior Vice President of GIA, eloquently encapsulated the essence of the awards, stating, “The recipients of this year’s Diamonds Do Good Awards reflect the ongoing positive impact being fostered by the diamond industry around the world. Sharing these stories with our customers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for the entire industry.” Her words resonate deeply, emphasizing that transparency, ethical practices, and demonstrable social contributions are no longer optional but fundamental to the future of the diamond sector. Consumers today are increasingly conscious of the origins and impact of their purchases, making the narrative of ‘Diamonds Do Good’ more crucial than ever.

The commitment to sharing these stories goes beyond mere public relations; it represents a collective responsibility to educate, inform, and inspire. By highlighting the tangible benefits that the diamond industry brings—from sustainable development and environmental stewardship to gender equality and economic empowerment—the D.E.F. and its partners reinforce the intrinsic value of diamonds as symbols of love, beauty, and positive change. This sustained effort builds consumer trust, strengthens industry reputation, and ensures that the diamond’s sparkle reflects not just its inherent brilliance but also the profound good it enables in communities worldwide.

Conclusion: A Future Forged in Ethical Excellence

The 2018 ‘Diamonds Do Good’ Awards served as a powerful reminder of the diamond industry’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility. By honoring the Government of Canada’s Northwest Territories for responsible governance, Rolex for its global philanthropic spirit, and Bruce Cleaver of De Beers Group for his leadership in professional advancement and gender equality, D.E.F. underscored the diverse ways in which the industry contributes to a better world. These recipients exemplify the transformative potential when businesses and governments prioritize people and the planet alongside profit. As the diamond industry continues to evolve, the ‘Diamonds Do Good’ message will remain a guiding principle, inspiring sustained efforts towards a more equitable, sustainable, and sparkling future for all.

News Source: gjepc.org