Leading woman Iris Van der Veken on sustainable development

When competitors Cartier and Kering decided to join forces to launch a sustainable development project, the person to whom to entrust this initiative was obvious: the formidable Belgian Iris Van der Veken (53 years old), a leading woman and specialist as well. much jewelry than the United Nations.

In the world of jewelry, we no longer present Iris Van der Veken. She has had an international career in the diamond and jewelry chain in various management positions. But the common thread of his work has always remained the same: his passion for sustainability and human rights. “This work brings together everything I have learned over the years. I have worked in the public sector, I have worked with United Nations and governments, I have been in production and now I can really intervene in the final link,” adds Van der Veken.

“ The Watch and Jewelery Initiative 2030 is a platform for businesses to work around three key pillars: climate, biodiversity and nature and inclusion, with a focus on human rights. It is very rare for two competitors to come together to launch such an initiative. We’ve been around for just two years, but we work with big brands like Chanel, Cartier, Pommelato, Jaeger-Le Coultre and Piagetas well as with small players like the Belgian brand Wouters & Hendrix. »

“For climate and nature, we demand science-based targets. This is easier for larger companies, while smaller organizations often need training and support to achieve these goals. On the other hand, it’s often easier for young companies to think circularly. They are already off to a good start, while other companies often have to completely rethink their processes. We want to lead the way, but the goal is also to pass on everything we do to the broader industry and other sectors. We don’t want to be a closed club. Transmitting your knowledge also means being sustainable. The priority of the jewelry industry today, from the point of view of diamond and Russia, is traceability. The countries of G7 have certainly banned Russian diamonds, but it is also a growing demand from consumers. The younger generation wants to understand the positive impact of their purchase. »

Unexpected professional turnaround

Iris was offered the position of executive director of the Watch & Jewelery Initiative 2030 after abruptly resigning as leader of the Responsible Jewelery Council in March 2022 for ethical reasons. She believed that the organization had maintained the Russian diamond mining company Alrosa for too long despite the war in Ukraine. “I am a consistent person and very attached to my principles. It was a difficult decision to make, but I never questioned it. Suddenly, I woke up with an empty diary, no emails, no schedule. »

“Life sort of stopped, but something wonderful happened: after all these years of work, I suddenly had time. I had more time for my parents, for my son Alexandre, to spend a day at the zoo with my godson and to take long walks by the sea. That made me happy. But I also went through big periods of uncertainty, and it’s in those moments that you recognize your friends. Some colleagues in the sector thought I had taken too political a position. Looking back on it today, I absolutely don’t regret my choice. My son Alexandre, who was 21 at the time, was very proud of my decision. This touched me. Some people stay in their position at all costs for reasons of status. But what is the point of having a status when it is meaningless?

One and the same strategy

“I regret that the word “sustainability” exists. Ultimately, this should be a no-brainer. When I hear CEOs explain in presentations that they have a sustainability strategy and a business strategy in place, it sends chills down my spine. It should be one and the same plan. For me, respect for human rights is the basis of everything linked to climate, biodiversity and nature. »

“Climate issues, for example, have more impact on women than on men. By 2050, climate change will push 158 million more women into poverty and 236 million more into food insecurity. According to a recent report, it will take 300 years to achieve full equality between men and women. In those moments, I say to myself: wake up. We women represent half the world’s population, half the potential, and yet we fail to uphold this fundamental human right. In many countries, equal rights are not a basis. And in the countries that have instituted it, it is starting to erode. »

Womens rights

“I work every day on women’s rights. In the private sphere, I strive to be a mentor. Throughout my career, I have met men and women to whom I have been able to ask difficult questions. This is why I happily dedicate part of my free time to helping young women in their professional careers. On a large scale, we have a project with UN Women. We work at two main levels. On the one hand, we ask all companies to sign and implement the Women’s Empowerment Principles at all levels of the organization and production process. Furthermore, we are the first in the world to have set up a pilot project with UN Women on gender-sensitive purchasing. In other words, you commit, as a company, to purchasing a certain percentage of products from female entrepreneurs or a company with a clear gender equality strategy. Nine companies are willing to participate in the pilot project, including Gucci, Monica Vinader, Swarovski And Cartier. »

Purpose & Profit

“I inherited my passion for issues such as human rights from my parents. In the 80s we moved toWashington, D.C. for the work of my father, who was going to join the International Monetary Fund. I learned to think flexibly, defend my ideas and integrate as a citizen of the world. What you see and experience as a child is decisive. Then, by starting to work internationally, I discovered the world.

“23 years ago, as a young woman, I found myself in a factory in India that employed 2,000 people, half of whom were women. All women who also had families at home. This had a huge impact on me. I began to realize that businesses can do a lot of good by providing decent wages and access to health care, creating a safe work environment, helping to build educational infrastructure around their factories. It’s a way to improve people’s lives, but also to support your business. »

“Please note, I am not a philanthropist. I can make difficult decisions, if they are the right ones. You should not commit if it is not economically profitable. You have to find the path between purpose and profit and I see that more and more companies are doing it. They have no choice. »

New generation

“Millennials, Generation Z and Generation Alpha are those who experience climate disasters up close. Talent will no longer want to engage with companies that are doing the wrong thing, and that talent is the foundation of your organization. Young people want to work for business leaders who defend their values, who accept diversity and who want to do what is right for society. I have followed the regulations for years. They have never been stronger than today. What is happening today around data, reporting, transparency, human rights, nature and climate gives me a lot of hope for the future. If CEOs of large companies support these measures, it will have a domino effect on small companies, which are often their suppliers. Everyone must participate. »

“Today, at 53, I consider the fact of having always combined motherhood with a management position as a gift. But it hasn’t been a smooth ride. Guilt is typically a female feeling, we want to do everything right. Of course, it’s not every day, but I like to work. That’s what I always told my son Alexandre. You should not view your career as a punishment for your child. I was also able to introduce him to a large part of the world. »

By Kristin Stoffels, images: Alexander D’Hiet

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