The inaugural Kimberley Process (KP) Secretariat was opened in Gaborone, Botswana, chaired by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, marking a pivotal moment for the diamond trade. This office, with a staff of five, will function as a major support center for KP operations and member countries, enhancing collaboration and community benefits and reinforcing the KP’s mission to regulate the diamond market and prevent conflict financing.
In a significant development for the global diamond trade, the Kimberley Process (KP) Secretariat was inaugurated in Gaborone, Botswana, with Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO and Executive Chairman of DMCC, serving as the KP Chair. This event marks the first establishment of a dedicated office for the KP, which will initially employ five staff members and act as a central hub for historical reference, ongoing support, and coordination among KP’s working groups and member nations. Mr. Bojun Tang will spearhead this office. The inauguration was attended by Botswana’s Honourable Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr. Lefoko Moagi, following a courteous visit to President HE Dr. Mokgweeti E.K Masisi, reaffirming Botswana’s steadfast commitment to the KP’s mission. The ceremony gathered dignitaries from various countries, including officials from Angola, China, the EU, Russia, Ukraine, the UAE, and the UK, alongside key industry stakeholders. Ahmed Bin Sulayem remarked on the significance of the KP Secretariat’s opening, stating it is a “historic day for the future of the diamond trade and the Kimberley Process.” He elaborated that the office would play a crucial role in uniting stakeholders and ensuring that diamonds continue to foster positive growth in African economies and communities. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Botswana for its generosity and commitment to realizing this vision. He added, “The KP, with its 59 nodes of diamond control offices around the world, is the only mechanism that safeguards the legitimate diamond trade within a controlled environment.” The KP framework, which has been in operation for 21 years, is designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate markets. During the ceremony, Botswana officials underscored the KP Secretariat’s establishment as a pivotal advancement in the evolution of the KP Certification Scheme, emphasizing the need for collaboration to ensure its success amidst global geopolitical challenges. The UAE, under the theme of ‘Year of Delivery’ in its tenure as KP Chair, has introduced a proactive agenda aimed at navigating political impasses and promoting substantial actions, including the establishment of this permanent Secretariat. The KP was instituted by the United Nations in 2003, consisting of 85 member states and 59 control nodes to regulate the diamond trade and prevent conflict financing. The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), located in Almas Tower, Dubai, serves as the UAE’s primary KP office and has been vital in managing the country’s diamond import and export processes. The UAE’s diamond trade saw remarkable growth last year, totaling USD 38.3 billion, further solidifying its reputation in the global diamond sector.
The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international initiative aimed at ensuring that the diamond trade does not fund violence or conflict, first established by the United Nations in 2003. It encompasses 85 member countries and incorporates 59 control nodes worldwide to regulate diamond trade and certify the legitimacy of diamonds. The KP Certification Scheme (KPCS) is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the diamond market, particularly in regions where diamond mining may finance armed conflict. The recent establishment of a permanent Secretariat in Botswana represents a significant evolution of the KP, particularly under UAE’s unique position as the first Arab country to chair the KP and its commitment to making strides in the diamond trade.
The inauguration of the KP Secretariat in Gaborone is a hallmark achievement for the Kimberley Process, enhancing its operational capabilities and reinforcing Botswana’s role in the diamond industry. Through collaboration and ongoing support, the KP is positioned to further its mission of maintaining a conflict-free diamond trade, which is vital for economic growth in African nations. The UAE’s commitment as KP Chair aims to leverage this Secretariat to solidify international cooperation and effectiveness within the diamond sector, benefiting economies and communities alike.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
