AWDC and Antwerp-ITCCO organize Action Learning on Sustainability for the Flemish Parliament

On January 23rd, a delegation of the Flemish Parliament participated in an educational programme and tour behind the scenes of the diamond sector, focused specifically on sustainability. The initiative was set up by the Antwerp ITCCO, the Antwerp based United Nations training centre that provides courses on sustainability and corporate ethics. This Action Learning project was targeted at new members of Parliament, but included more experienced members as well.

Through the initiative, the AWDC aimed to focus the attention of policy makers on the various initiatives regarding best practices that are being implemented within the diamond industry.
After an introduction on international sustainability principles and their impact on doing business, the delegation received more insight from three key players in the industry. ABN-AMRO, Rosy Blue and Rio Tinto Diamonds each provided an overview of challenges they face in regards to sustainability and how they deal with those challenges on a daily basis.

For Rio Tinto Diamonds, the impact of mining activities on the environment and local communities, especially in Australia and Canada, is a top priority. Therefore, they implement a long-term strategy to maximize a positive impact. For many years already, Rosy Blue applies a fully-fledged long-term strategy, implemented worldwide in every branch of the company. For the company, decreasing their ecological footprint and improving energy efficiency at Rosy Blue’s plants is one of the most important challenges for the future. Sustainability is also a vital element in ABN AMRO’s client policy. Especially in the diamond sector, ABN AMRO invests a great deal of effort to improve the industry’s bankability, amongst others by improving transparency and providing clear and transparent communication to its stakeholders.

In conclusions, the delegation visited the Diamond Office, the Antwerp Diamond Tender Facility, Flanders Diamonds Manufacturing, the Diamantclub of Antwerp and Diamani Jewels, one of Antwerp’s quality label ‘Antwerp’s Most Brilliant jewelers.