Inauguration of the Kimberley Process Secretariat in Botswana: A Historic Milestone for Diamond Trade Regulation

The Kimberley Process inaugurated its first Secretariat office in Gaborone, Botswana, under the chairmanship of Ahmed Bin Sulayem from the UAE. The office aims to serve as a hub for support and continuity of the KP’s efforts in the diamond trade, with Mr. Bojun Tang at the helm. The establishment of the Secretariat underscores Botswana’s dedication to the KP and aims to further enhance transparency and cooperation within the diamond industry, preventing conflict diamonds from entering the market.

In a significant development for the global diamond trade, the Kimberley Process (KP) has inaugurated its first Secretariat office in Gaborone, Botswana, under the leadership of UAE Kimberley Process chair, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who is also the CEO and Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). The establishment of this Secretariat marks a pivotal moment in the KP’s mission to regulate the diamond industry, with plans to employ up to five people in its inaugural year. Mr. Bojun Tang will spearhead the operations of the new office, which is intended to serve as a central hub for institutional memory, continuity, and support for KP’s working groups and member countries. The inauguration ceremony, attended by officials from Botswana’s government and various international representatives, underscored Botswana’s commitment to the KP. Remarks from Ahmed Bin Sulayem reflected the ceremony’s historic significance, emphasizing the new Secretariat as a vital component that will drive unity in the diamond sector and facilitate positive contributions to African development. He acknowledged the 21-year legacy of the KP, stating: “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.” The KP, established in 2003 under UN auspices, comprises 85 member countries and 59 control nodes aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate market. Botswana officials remarked on the Secretariat’s establishment being a notable step in the evolution of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, highlighting the necessity for collaborative efforts to advance the KP’s objectives amidst global geopolitical challenges. This year, the UAE, holding the KP chairmanship, is focused on overcoming political challenges while enhancing the KP’s governance structure, which includes the establishment of the permanent Secretariat in Botswana. The UAE also claimed a notable increase in the diamond trade, reporting a total trade value of USD 38.3 billion last year. The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), located at Almas Tower, serves as the UAE’s central hub for KP operations, housing a large number of diamond companies and facilitating the legitimate trade of diamonds.

The Kimberley Process was established by the United Nations to ensure the transparency and regulation of the diamond trade to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds, which finance warfare and violate human rights. It operates through a certification scheme, involving numerous member countries that monitor and report on diamond trading activities. The initiation of a permanent Secretariat in Botswana marks a progressive step towards enhancing the effectiveness of the KP and reflects the commitment of its member states to maintain integrity within the diamond market. The UAE has taken an active role in the KP since becoming its chair, pushing forward initiatives designed to strengthen international cooperation and improve operational efficiencies in the diamond trade.

The inauguration of the Kimberley Process Secretariat in Botswana represents a significant milestone in the global effort to regulate the diamond industry. The new office is expected to enhance institutional memory and support for the KP’s objectives, ultimately promoting responsible diamond trade practices. With the commitment of member countries, especially the UAE’s strong leadership, there are optimistic expectations for the future of the KP and its role in preventing the trade of conflict diamonds while fostering economic benefits in Africa.

Original Source: www.zawya.com