Our Purpose, Vision, Values and Principles framework
The world of diamonds is about making "dreams" come true. Geologists dream about finding the next big mine, nations dream about the jobs, wealth and development opportunities that diamonds can bring, shareholders dream of superior returns, employees dream of a successful career, and couples dream about the diamonds that symbolise their love and commitment.
Our Purpose is to turn diamond dreams into lasting reality.
We have big dreams for our Family of Companies – an ambitious growth vision focussed on unlocking the full economic value of our leadership position across the diamond pipeline, in a safe and sustainable manner.
We will turn our dreams into reality by maximising the potential of our global partnerships, the skills and commitment of our people and the magic and emotional value of our product.
Three guiding Principles define the way we do business, inform our understanding of what is right and wrong, and describe what is important to us.
These are supported by an extended set of specific Principles that cover the economic, ethics, environment, employees, and community aspects of our activities.
Sustainable development through partnership
The De Beers Family of Companies is committed to operating in accordance with national legislation and towards the goal of sustainable development. This means that we consider and take responsibility for the longer term economic, social and environmental implications of the decisions we make today, both for our business and the broader societies in which we operate.
Diamonds are a finite resource. We work with our partners in government to ensure that these precious natural resources are transformed into economic wealth and improved quality of life and wellbeing for all people who are touched by our business along the diamond pipeline.
Diamonds dreams and development
We work to address the poverty and socio-economic deprivation that affects many of the communities where we operate. We will work with African governments to help realise their long-term visions, and through education, training and shared decision making, we endeavour to ensure the success to programmes that help build the capabilities of their citizens. In particular, we partner with stakeholders to address the priority of HIV/AIDS.
Acting in unison with members of the diamond industry, civil society and governments, the De Beers Family of Companies remain deeply committed to the eradication conflict diamonds. We will also work meticulously through the Kimberley Process, the industry's system of warranties and our own Principles to ensure conflict diamonds are eliminated from world diamond flows. In addition, De Beers continues to commit resources and expertise so that diamonds may continue to provide a source of hope and prosperity for producer countries.
Accountability and “living up to diamonds”
The Principles Assurance Programme translates our Principles into practise and provides a framework for measuring continuous improvement in performance over time. Through peer review across the Family of Companies, we will help each other achieve our goals.
The implementation, monitoring and reporting of these Principles through the Assurance Programme, and also through third party verification, ensures that our stakeholders are able to rely on our high standards and know that we are “living up to diamonds”.