UN Institute for Training & Research invites CIBJO to participate in CSR events at Shanghai World Expo

The United Nation's Institute for Training and Research has invited CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, to participate in UNITAR Week, which will take place in the United Nations Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo from September 19-26. On behalf the world jewellery industry, CIBJO will assume a key role in a Corporate Social Responsibility programme being organised in Shanghai by UNITAR to emphasise the responsibility of the business community in helping meet the UN's Millennium Development Goals.

The invitation to CIBJO was formally issued in Antwerp by Jocelyn Fenard, chief of Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation at UNITAR, on the final day of the first Executive Course in CSR organised by the World Jewellery Confederation Education Foundation. WJCEF was established by CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, in December 2008 with the purpose of instilling the principle of Corporate Social Responsibility in the international jewellery industry and trade.

During the UNITAR Week at the UN pavilion in Shanghai, senior Chinese government officials, UN officials, business leaders and other influential figures will be invited to discuss social and economic development issues. CIBJO will participate in several programmes during the week, sharing the experience of the jewellery and gemstone sector over the past decade in meeting ethical and social challenges, and then developing a strategy by which the sector could raise its involvement in development programmes.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the World Jewellery Confederation in Shanghai for joint events where the business community, academics and civil society will share knowledge and experiences on corporate social responsibility as a way to address global issues," said Mr. Fenard.

"We are delighted to play a role in the UNITAR Week, because we know that the jewellery industry has a fascinating story to tell," said Gaetano Cavalieri. "Ten years ago we reacted to the conflict diamond crisis in Africa by assisting government and civil society in the implementation of the Kimberley Process. This week we were in Antwerp at the start of an industry-wide education programme dedicated to teaching our community the principles of both social responsibility and social investment. This continues to be a transformational journey, and it is one that we are proud to share with others."