The Kimberley Process has launched its first Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, led by Ahmed Bin Sulayem. The office aims to enhance the KP’s operational framework while employing staff to facilitate ongoing support for its initiatives. The establishment underscores Botswana’s commitment to the KP and reflects the UAE’s ambitions as the current chair to drive reforms in the diamond industry.
The Kimberley Process (KP), under the leadership of Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the CEO of DMCC, has inaugurated its first-ever Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. This historic establishment aims to support the KP’s ongoing efforts to regulate the global diamond trade and ensure that conflict diamonds do not infiltrate legitimate markets. Initially, the Secretariat will employ up to five individuals, providing a central hub for the KP’s institutional memory and facilitating support for its working groups and member countries. Mr. Bojun Tang is appointed to lead the office. The inauguration was officiated by KP Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem alongside Botswana’s Honourable Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr. Lefoko Moagi, after a courtesy visit to President HE Dr. Mokgweeti E.K. Masisi, reaffirming Botswana’s commitment to the KP. Various officials from the Botswana government, industry stakeholders, and representatives from countries including Angola, China, the EU, Russia, Ukraine, the UAE, and the UK were in attendance. In his remarks, Ahmed Bin Sulayem stated, “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.” He emphasized that the Secretariat would serve as a vital backbone for the KP, promoting unity and benefits for African communities engaging in the diamond trade. Furthermore, he noted that the KP, comprised of 59 nodes worldwide, is the only mechanism that safeguards legitimate diamond trade in a controlled environment. This initiative builds on 21 years of efforts to manage diamond resources comprehensively. Botswana officials reiterated that the establishment of the Secretariat is a substantial progression in the KP Certification Scheme and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure its success, while also acknowledging concerns regarding geopolitical tensions and their effects on the diamond market. As the UAE enters its ‘Year of Delivery’ as KP Chair, it strives to navigate political challenges and implement actionable goals, including the establishment of the Botswana Secretariat and ongoing KP reforms. The KP was founded in 2003 and includes 85 countries working towards preventing unregulated diamonds from financing conflict. The UAE was notably the first Arab nation to take the role of Chair in 2016. Notably, the UAE has also experienced significant growth in its diamond trade, with a total value of USD 38.3 billion last year. The Dubai Diamond Exchange, located at Almas Tower, serves as a pivotal hub for the legitimate trade of diamonds within the UAE and is associated with various diamond industry organizations, reinforcing its commitment to responsible trading practices.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is an essential international initiative established to combat the trade of conflict diamonds. This scheme involves collaboration among various countries to ensure that rough diamonds are sourced and traded legitimately. The creation of a permanent Secretariat in Botswana represents a significant institutional advancement aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the KP. The establishment of the KP Secretariat is seen as a pivotal move in solidifying the governance framework necessary for monitoring diamond transactions while ensuring that benefits flow to producers and local communities.
In summary, the inauguration of the KP Secretariat in Botswana represents a vital step forward in the regulation of the diamond trade. Led by key figures in the industry, the Secretariat will play a crucial role in enhancing the operational integrity of the KP and strengthening the collaboration among member countries. This development not only confirms Botswana’s commitment but also aligns with the UAE’s efforts to lead the diamond industry towards greater transparency and accountability in 2023 and beyond.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
