The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory, has joined the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030) as a partner member. Founded in 2021 by Kering and Cartier, WJI 2030 is guided by the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

In September 2015, the United Nations Member States unanimously adopted a plan for achieving a better future, laying a path for the next 15 years to protect the planet and fight poverty, inequality, and injustice. WJI 2030 was established to further that vision within the watch and jewelry industry.

“We are proud to welcome IGI to WJI 2030,” said Executive Director Iris Van Der Veken. “September will mark the halfway point of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. This is a critical milestone and an important opportunity to step up and take stock of where we are and where we need to be.”

“IGI’s locations around the world are delighted to join this initiative,” stated IGI CEO Roland Lorie. “We believe it’s important for all companies to recognize and address their potential impact on issues pertaining to the environment, and to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

In 2021 IGI became the first gemological institute to commit to carbon neutrality. The institute launched a women’s empowerment program in India the same year, annually helping women from socially challenged backgrounds pursue successful careers in the gem and jewelry industry.

“At IGI we endeavor to establish a culture that emphasizes a harmonious blend of performance, well-being, and social consciousness,” stated IGI Chief Operating Officer Deborah Pienica. “By proactively contributing to the betterment of society, we hope to elevate the collective level of consciousness and positively impact our planet and its people.”

“Now is the time for bold leadership,” added Ven Der Veken. “We look forward to IGI driving positive impacts across our three strategic pillars: building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness. Now, more than ever, we must work together on our ambitions across the Watch & Jewellery Industry with credibility and accountability to ensure we make real meaningful change.”

WJI 2030 is co-chaired by Cartier CEO Cyrille Vigneron and Kering Chief Sustainability Officer Marie-Claire Daveu. The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact are derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.