Iris Van der Veken has a background in law and international relations. A sustainability pioneer, leadership executive and coalition-builder, with more than 20 years of global experience working in fast-paced environments including technology, diamonds, jewellery, fashion, and government. She worked on the ground in Africa, Armenia, China, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka on the implementation of different labour, environmental standards on responsible business practices. Pioneered on GRI and ESG reporting. She initiated and Chaired the United Nations Global Compact Network Belgium. She was honoured by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs for her leadership role in initiating the Global Compact Network Belgium and for her work on promoting corporate social responsibility in Belgium and abroad with a focus on human rights including children’s rights and the role of business. Iris has always been an Ambassador on the gender agenda for the jewellery industry. She has shaped many leading strategic partnerships in this context including UN Women and the Global Compact, In July 2022 Iris was appointed as Executive Director & Secretary-General of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 co-founded by Kering and Cartier, delegated by Richemont. WJI 2030 is an action platform that unites all players across the watch and jewellery value chain and enables them to lead progress and future-proof their businesses in an ever-changing regulatory landscape – towards 2030 and beyond. As a collective WJI 2030 is a member of the UN Global Compact and signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles and focuses on Climate Resilience, Preserving Resources and Fostering Inclusiveness. In May 2023, WJI 2030 was recognised by the Swiss authorities as an Association of Public Utility.

Today, the team is headquartered in Maison de La Paix in Geneva, Switzerland. Under her leadership, WJI 2030 has shaped strategic partnerships with UN Women on Activating and Accelerating the WEPs, UN Global Compact in building the SDG Solutions Lab for SMEs and a supplier engagement program, and ESG Book in creating a robust independent reporting framework aligned with the evolving regulations. Iris has been an active volunteer for the Special Olympics for over 20 years and she ran the NY marathon for UNICEF. She is the proud mother of a son Alexander.