The COVID-19 pandemic has come as a reality check, underscoring how powerless human society can be when faced by the forces of nature. The fact that, in just a matter of weeks a microbe brought the most powerful nations and their economies almost to a dead halt, should have imprinted on the consciousness of the world community the need to act responsibly when taking actions that impact on the environment and greater society. It will be a lesson that is likely to influence consumers when making future purchasing decisions.

Great strides have been made in the gemstone and jewellery industry over the past 20 years, in the development of general awareness of Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability, as well as systems and platforms designed to protect the health and wellbeing of all stakeholders and the integrity of the value chain. Not only are these likely to retain their relevance in a post-COVID environment, but they are likely to become more widely used than ever before. The public will demand it.

CIBJO’s “Jewellery Industry Voices” webinar series looks at the impact and implications of the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis from the perspective of industry figures. The fourth edition examined how issues related to social responsibility and sustainability will need to be addressed in the new business environment.

Entitled “Sustainability: More relevant post-COVID than ever before,” the fourth Jewellery Industry Voices webinar features three leading industry experts – Philip Olden, President of CIBJO’s Responsible Sourcing Commission; Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC); and Christina Miller, Founder of Christina T Miller Sustainable Jewelry Consulting.

The webinar was co-moderated by Edward Johnson and Steven Benson, and Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, welcomed the participants.