Working with Our Partners towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals

A shared vision and a shared responsibility

Many companies across the diamond industry recognise our shared responsibility to continuously improve community, environmental, operational and supply chain practices to realise the shared ambition of creating an enduring impact for generations to come. Many of our business partners contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have made significant progress thanks in large part to their dedication and innovation. Below is a snapshot of the initiatives De Beers Group are proud to be connected to through our industry partners.

Find out more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Providing comprehensive healthcare: Providing care to all those who need it

Since 1997, the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, run by diamond cutting and polishing company KGK, has been providing cutting-edge medical care to rural districts in northern India. The hospital contributes to the wellbeing of local communities by offering treatment to cancer patients who would find it difficult to make the long trip to Mumbai or Delhi. It also provides free care for those who live below the poverty line.

Extending care to those who have previously struggled to access it, the hospital has a unique reach throughout the region. An all-women cancer centre also provides focused support to the region’s women, while the KGK-funded Dreamz Foundation ensures children suffering through illness can be supported with the appropriate care.

SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing

Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages

SDG 10 – Reduce Inequality with and among countries

14,000

New patients registered each year

800

Hospital staff employed

*As reported in 2019

Supporting employee well-being: Building financial security for families

Regular savings are an important way of increasing the financial resilience of families, helping them to weather periods of change and live with confidence. Companies can play an important role in encouraging their employees to save using a more structured approach, and Indian diamond cutting and polishing company, Venus Jewel takes this responsibility seriously.

Since 2002, the company has operated a voluntary pension scheme that is unique in the Indian diamond industry. All 1,400 of its employees are part of the programme, investing a percentage of their salary, which is then matched by the company. This means the employees of Venus Jewel can retire in the knowledge that they have resources to rely on.

The benefits of saving also reach further than the individual worker. If an employee passes away, their family is still eligible to receive the benefit, ensuring they don’t lose the financial security this provides. Through its pioneering approach, Venus Jewel is helping to make the futures of its employees and their families more secure.

1 – No poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

US$5.7M

Pension savings contributed by the company in 2018-2019

US$36M

Fund balance

*As reported in 2019

Driving community-led sustainability

Making environmental care a community project

We all have a part to play in caring for the environment, and SRK, an Indian diamond cutting and polishing company, is demonstrating this through its approach to sustainability, which includes the wider community as much as possible.

The company leads an array of sustainability initiatives, including the planting of thousands of trees and a large-scale dam-building campaign in association with the Saurashtra Jaldhara Trust. Through a communitywide effort, 100 check dams have been constructed, helping to raise the ground water level of the region.

The Saurashtra region of Gujarat has suffered from chronic droughts since 2001 and SRK’s check dam project has helped to increase the agricultural production of the area, positively impacting millions of people. Recognising that it has an important role to play as part of its community, the company has helped engage people in the ongoing care of their local environment.

7 – Affordable and clean energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

13 – Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact

1,500+

Employees and community members participated in a cleaning initiative at Ganga Ghat.

100

Check dams constructed with the help of local community.

*As reported in 2019

Re-imagining water consumption: Turning wastewater into a resource

Sustainability often requires reimagining established processes and accepted outcomes, particularly when it comes to reducing waste and making better use of natural resources. Cutting and polishing company Dimexon demonstrates this through their innovative environmental initiatives in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

One example is the multifaceted approach the company has taken to its water usage. Dimexon has created a sewage treatment plant, which cleans wastewater and reuses to irrigate the surrounding land.

Water is also used in the company’s efforts to limit pollution and rainwater reused it to flush toilets. Dimexon’s approach to reusing its wastewater shows that rethinking traditional methods can have wide-reaching positive effects.

6 – Clean water and sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

13 – Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact

50,000 litres

Capacity sewage treatment plant installed to recycle wastewater.

45,000

Litres of wastewater treated per day on average, enough to fill 560 baths*

*Based on an average-sized bath filled with 80 litres of water

*As reported in 2019

Find Out More About the UN Sustainable Development Goals

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