CIBJO to work with CIFA to enhance responsible business practices

At the High Level Segment of the United Nation's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC),CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation and the Convention of Independent Financial Advisors (CIFA) reached an understanding to cooperate in enhancing responsible business practices and sustainability in their respective business sectors. Both organisations have agreed to conclude a formal cooperation agreement at a meeting of their joint leadership later this year. In the meantime, they will begin sharing information and expertise.

The understanding was reached between Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, and Jean-Pierre Diserens, Secretary-General of CIFA. CIFA, like CIBJO, has special consultative status with ECOSOC.

CIFA, an NGO headquartered in Geneva, focuses on defending the investors' interests and right to privacy and the financial advisors' independence on national and international level. It also endeavours to combat harmful practices in financial markets, while promoting strong ethical values and a sensible regulation. It is the possessor and custodian of the Charter of Investors' Rights, which it deposited with the United Nations in 2008.

"Gold, platinum, palladium and silver have long been considered instruments of investment, and the same is increasingly true of diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls, not to mention finished jewellery," said Dr. Cavalieri. "Proper business principles defend the integrity and reputation of the product, whether it is sold primarily as an item of jewellery or as a unit of investment."

"Furthermore, as CIBJO and CIFA have affirmed in their association with ECOSOC, both our business sectors have responsibility to society in general, and by extension to promoting the development programme of the United Nations. This also will be addressed jointly by our two organizations," the CIBJO President said.