Rolex, De Beers CEO among DEF Honorees

New York--The Diamond Empowerment Fund has announced the recipients of the 2018 “Diamonds Do Good” awards, to be presented at its annual gala May 31 at the Four Seasons Ballroom in Las Vegas.

The government of Canada’s Northwest Territories will receive the Diamonds Do Good Responsible Government Award.

Located in the third largest diamond-producing country in the world, the Northwest Territories is home to major diamond mines including Ekati, owned by Dominion Diamond Mines; Diavik, which is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Dominion; and Gahcho Kué, a joint venture between De Beers Canada and Mountain Province Diamonds.

The government of the Northwest Territories has developed a “robust” mineral development strategy that protects the environment, enhances the engagement and building of the local community, promotes sustainability and uses a local workforce, all while also fostering investment opportunities to benefit its people, DEF said in a press release.

The Diamonds Do Good Global Corporate Spirit Award will go to Rolex.

The watch company has made philanthropy and corporate social responsibility a big part of its corporate culture since its founding.

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise support individuals who show a passion and commitment to improving life on Earth. “Rolex Laureates” range in age from 24 to 74 and have carried out projects that benefit millions across more than 60 countries by doing things like implementing technological and scientific innovations, protecting endangered species and ecosystems, and providing safe, affordable water, energy, shelter, food, medicine and health care in developing countries.

Meanwhile, De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver will receive the Diamonds Do Good Professional Advancement Award.

After being appointed CEO of the diamond miner and marketer in July 2016, Cleaver has committed the organization to the advancement of women and girls.

Under his leadership, De Beers has partnered with UN Women to increase the amount of women appointed to senior roles at the company and achieve equality in the number of men and women in executive positions by 2020; invested in women micro-entrepreneurs and STEM students in its diamond-producing countries; and ensured the company’s brands are a positive force for supporting gender equality through all its marketing campaigns.

Cleaver was named a “HeForShe” Thematic Champion by UN Women, referring to the “HeForShe” global movement by the UN to accelerate gender equality by encouraging men and boys to advocate for women too.

“The recipients of this year’s Diamonds Do Good Awards reflect the ongoing positive