The Antwerp World Diamond Centre’s (AWDC) Sustainability Report for 2014 won the Best Belgian Sustainability Report in the category of other organisations at the 16th edition of the award ceremony held on Dec 4. The Awards are an initiative of the Belgian Institute of Registered Auditors and aim to encourage and reward companies and organisations that report on their activities in the framework of sustainable development in a transparent manner.

The jury described the AWDC report as clear and well-structured and also noted that it did not shy away from addressing sensitive issues. It said, “The report succeeds very well in explaining materiality, stakeholder consultation and management of governance and compliance.”

It was also impressed by the “acknowledging (of) the diamond sector's weaknesses and including a risk analysis” anddescribed the report as “an act of courage and an important signal from AWDC to the diamond sector, sure to have an impact on the industry.”

AWDC's CEO, Ari Epstein, said the organisation was honored to be selected for an award, and said, "We owe it to our employees, our partners, our stakeholders and all the people and communities involved in the diamond chain to take the lead and to strive for a sustainable diamond industry. Transparency, compliance and corporate social responsibility are the cornerstones of our policy."