Agenda for the Madison Dialogue Ethical Jewelry Summit
To understand the commitment and seriousness of the mainstream jewelry industry to ethical sourcing, see the agenda for upcoming Madison Dialogue meeting. The agenda is carefully constructed to deal with all critical issues in the movement at this early time, from mine to retailer to customer.
Madison Dialogue Ethical Jewelry Summit
October 25-26, 2007
World Bank Headquarters
1818 H Street N.W.
Washington, D.C.
{Organizers: ARM, CASM, DeBeers, Earthworks, Ethical Metalsmiths, FLO International, Partnership Africa Canada, Jewelers of America, The Rapaport Group}
Please note that there will be important background material distributed in advance for review prior to the Summit.
DAY 1, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2007
8:30AM – Welcome and Introductions
9:00AM – Meeting Objectives
1. Draft Objectives Statement by Organizers:
To support and encourage small-scale miners, enabling them to responsibly produce precious gems and metals, which in turn can be responsibly marketed to consumers using terms such as “fair trade,” “green,” “ethical,” or “sustainable.”
2. Sector Needs and Stakeholder Perspectives:
Representatives of retailers, jewelry makers, refiners, small-scale miners, large-scale miners, NGOs, development organizations, and certifying organizations will state individual perspectives.
10:00AM – *BREAK*
10:30AM – Assurance and Certification Throughout the Jewelry Sector
1. Brief Review of Standards and Certification Basics.
2. Review of /ISEAL //Alliance// Code of Good Practice for Setting Social and Environmental Standards.
3. Update on Developing Models for Assurance and Certification Throughout the Jewelry Sector (ARM, Oro Verde, IFAT, IRMA, CRJP)
12:00 – *LUNCH*
1:00PM – Company-Specific Ethical Metals/Jewelry/Gems Ventures
Brief presentations of existing ventures in diamonds, gems, and metals sectors, both retailer and supplier level.
2:30PM – Commonly-Used Terms for “Ethical” Products: What Do They Stand For?
A discussion of “fair trade,” “green,” “ethical” and “sustainable” ending with an initial agreement on definitions and uses of these terms.
3:30PM – *BREAK*
4:00PM – 5:00PM – Day 1 Wrap-Up: Vision and Objectives
To be considered:
1. Does group have shared vision and objectives?
2. What are our major opportunities and challenges?
3. Brief preview for Day 2
There will be organized dinner options available at area restaurants. More details to follow.
DAY 2, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2007
8:30AM – Brief Recap of Important Concepts and Agreements from Day 1
Introduction of Break-Out Sessions
9:00AM – Noon – Morning Break-Out Sessions (Two Options)
(Break from 10:30-11:00)
These sessions will be informal brainstorming sessions, where representatives from all sectors will have a chance to talk about the issues listed AND suggest *Next Steps* needed. Facilitators for each session will record notes and report back to the full Plenary in the afternoon.
BREAK OUT SESSION 1. – SMALL-SCALE/ETHICAL DIAMONDS & GEMS – MINE TO MARKET CHALLENGES
a. Building capacity to enable mining communities to meet standards
b. Issues between large- and small-scale miners
c. Small-scale mined diamonds/gems standards/certification
d. Ethical cutting and polishing standards/certification
e. Ethical jewelry lines standards/certification
BREAK OUT SESSION 2. – SMALL-SCALE/ETHICAL METALS – MINE TO MARKET CHALLENGES
a. Building capacity to enable mining communities to meet standards
b. The Supply Gap; Major problem: Solutions needed
c. Issues between large- and small-scale miners
d. Refining standards/certification
e. Recycling as an ethical route standards/certification.
f. Ethical jewelry lines standards/certification
12:00 – LUNCH
1:00PM – 4:00PM – Afternoon Plenary Sessions
(Break from 2:30-3:00)
OPENING:
a. Summary of morning break-out groups’ recommendations for next steps.
b. Additional comments.
c. Agreements on *next steps* and *action*:
Plenary One:
1. Building capacity in small-scale mining areas to enable communities to meet standards. *Next Steps.*
Plenary Two:
2. Large- and small-scale miners’ interactions. *Next Steps.*
Plenary Three:
3. The Ethical Gold/Silver Supply Gap Strategies to Increase Supply. *Next Steps.*
Plenary Four:
4. Standards and Certification: a.) Discussion of an interim Benchmark of Minimum Standards for Ethical Metals, Jewelry and Gems (until more formal standards are finalized), b.) Processes for independently verifying Ethical claims. *Next Steps.*
Plenary Five:
5. Launching an Ethical Line: Helping Miners, Refiners/Cutters, Jewelry Makers and Retailers Connect and Work Together on Future Projects. *Next Steps.*
4:00 – *CLOSING*
Plans for Further Meetings to Address the *Next Steps*,
Volunteers to Lead Each Next Steps Group.
