Inauguration of the Kimberley Process Secretariat in Botswana: A…

The UAE Kimberley Process Chair, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, inaugurated the first-ever KP Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, marking a significant advancement in regulating the diamond trade. This office will provide critical support and continuity for KP operations. The ceremony was attended by key officials, reaffirming Botswana’s commitment to the KP. The UAE aims to achieve a year of significant advancements in the diamond industry.

Dubai, UAE: The United Nations-mandated Kimberley Process (KP), under the leadership of Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO and Executive Chairman of DMCC, has officially inaugurated its inaugural Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. This groundbreaking office, the first of its kind for the Kimberley Process, is set to employ up to five personnel in its inaugural year, positioning itself as a center for institutional memory, continuity, and ongoing support for KP’s working groups and member nations, with Mr. Bojun Tang at the helm. The inauguration ceremony, attended by prominent officials including Botswana’s Honourable Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr. Lefoko Moagi, followed a courtesy visit to the nation’s president, HE Dr. Mokgweeti E.K. Masisi, which reaffirmed Botswana’s steadfast commitment to the KP. The event gathered representatives from various stakeholders including government officials from Botswana, industry leaders, and diplomatic representatives from countries such as Angola, China, the EU, Russia, Ukraine, the UAE, and the UK. Ahmed Bin Sulayem remarked during the event, “The opening of the KP Secretariat marks a historic day for the future of the diamond trade and the Kimberley Process—a true milestone in our commitment to ensure this is a year of delivery for the diamond industry. The new office will serve as a backbone to the Kimberley Process, driving unity and helping ensure diamonds continue to be a positive force for African development, bringing real benefits to communities and economies alike. As KP Chair, I want to sincerely thank the Government of Botswana for its hospitality, generosity, and unwavering dedication in making this vision a reality.” He further emphasized that the KP, with its 59 diamond control offices worldwide, is the only existing mechanism dedicated to safeguarding the legitimate diamond trade within a controlled framework. Botswana’s officials identified the establishment of the KP Secretariat as a crucial advancement in the KP Certification Scheme, underlining the collaborative efforts required to make the Secretariat a thriving institution. They also expressed concerns regarding global geopolitical tensions potentially impacting the diamond market. Under its leadership as KP Chair, the UAE is pursuing an ambitious agenda to navigate political challenges and foster tangible outcomes, which includes establishing a permanent Secretariat in Botswana and continuing the essential review and reform processes of the KP. The Kimberley Process, established in 2003 by the United Nations, comprises 85 participating nations with 59 control nodes aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate market. The UAE has been the first Arab nation to chair the KP, with its Kimberley Process Certification Scheme managed by DMCC under the Ministry of Economy, showcasing significant growth in its diamond trade, which amounted to USD 38.3 billion last year. The country is also home to the Dubai Diamond Exchange, which is a significant hub for the diamond trade globally, housing over 1,300 diamond companies.

The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international regulatory initiative aimed at preventing the trade of conflict diamonds, which are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against legitimate governments. The process was formed in 2000 following a global outcry over the use of diamonds to fund violence in Africa. The KP employs rigorous certification standards to ensure that diamonds are sourced from conflict-free regions, involving cooperation among governments, industry, and civil society. The establishment of the KP Secretariat in Gaborone signifies deeper institutional support for overseeing compliance and facilitating coordination among member states. The UAE’s role as KP Chair highlights its commitment to maintaining a responsible and transparent diamond trade, reflecting on both regional and global standards.

In summary, the opening of the Kimberley Process Secretariat in Botswana represents a significant milestone in enhancing the regulation of the diamond trade, reinforcing the KP’s efforts to combat the issue of conflict diamonds. The collaboration between the UAE and Botswana illustrates a shared vision for promoting ethical trading practices that benefit communities across Africa. This new office will enhance the rigor and transparency of the diamond certification scheme, assuring that diamonds not only contribute to economic growth but also uphold moral values in the global market.

Original Source: www.zawya.com