The need for a KP Permanent Secretariat was unanimously supported by the World Diamond Council (WDC) Board at this year’s annual general meeting and will be championed by the WDC as part of its Kimberley Process (KP) observer status. The WDC said in a statement that this position will ensure professionalisation of work and preservation of institutional memory to strengthen the implementation of the KPCS.
The new position will also ensure continuity and preserve institutional memory between WDC Chairs who serve a two-year term.
The WDC’s 13th annual meeting concluded this week in Dubai. The event was hosted by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and attendees represented one of the most complete and inclusive group of global diamond industry participants in recent WDC history.
Extensive and constructive discussions spanned issues and opportunities for the diamond industry to ensure that no diamond is linked to conflict or human rights abuses, a process where the WDC serves as the single voice of the diamond industry as an Official Observer of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). Participants included all of the major global industry players in the diamond supply pipeline and strong representation of both Eastern and Western interests, as well as Africa.
“Diamonds continue to delight consumers and at the same time they deliver tremendous value, creating employment opportunities for millions of people and providing much needed economic, healthcare and education benefits across every continent on the globe,” said WDC Acting President, Stephane Fischler.
He concluded, “Every participant in the diamond supply chain has an obligation to our industry, to global communities, and to citizens, to adhere to only the highest ethical standards and ensure that every diamond is legitimately sourced and conflict free. Though we have achieved a great deal this year and in year’s past, it is only with continued alignment and constant vigilance that our industry can maintain consumer confidence and preserve the legacy of enchantment and awe that only a natural diamond can provide.”
The meeting opened with a keynote speech by DMCC Executive Chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who thanked the WDC for its contributions to the Kimberley Process Chair, saying, “Together we commit to maintaining the credibility and cohesion of the Kimberley Process and maintaining its growth in the years to come.”
Discussions followed throughout the two-day meeting, focused on various ways to strengthen the integrity of the complex diamond supply chain. This included ideas to broaden the scope of the KPCS to enhance prevention and reduce the risk of systemic violence and conflict.
Members also explored universally accepted approaches towards responsible business conduct (such as those proposed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) that should be incorporated into existing due diligence systems. The approaches will enhance awareness and responsibility of all participants in the diamond supply chain.
Next year’s WDC AGM will take place in India, hosted by the GJEPC. The 2019 AGM will be hosted by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) in Antwerp. Specific dates and locations will be forthcoming.
For more information visit hear : https://www.gemkonnect.com/news/wdc-board-unanimously-supports-permanent-secretariat-kp