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World Diamond Council (WDC) acting president Stephane Fischler joined a renowned group of executives and dignitaries yesterday at a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) side event to discuss the Kimberley Process (KP).
In the event they discussed strategies to advance its ongoing contributions toward peace, security and sustainable development in diamond mining communities.
This year marks the beginning of a pivotal period for the KP; a two-year review and reform process led by the European Union Chairmanship and ending during next year’s Indian Chairmanship in 2019. The event was held on 7 March 2018 at UN headquarters and was co-hosted by the governments of Australia and Botswana.
The side event followed adoption by the UNGA Resolution, a KP resolution titled ‘the role of diamonds in fueling conflict’. The resolution added the KP to the provisional agenda for the 73rd session where the Chair of the Kimberley Process will submit to the General Assembly a report on the implementation of the Kimberley Process.
Fischler said: “The KP is the first ever mineral-based global mechanism to contribute to settling armed conflicts and has, over its relatively young life, significantly contributed to peace and security.
“In doing so, it enabled the diamond industry to support and create employment, income and livelihoods for millions of people. But the threat of instability and conflict remains and our
work is not over.
“This important KP review period gives us the opportunity to address contemporary challenges facing the diamond industry and implement reforms to protect the human rights, freedoms and development of people who depend on the diamond trade.”
Joining Mr. Fischler on the panel portion of the event was Ian Smillie, president of the Diamond Development Initiative, and other United Nations permanent representatives.
During the panel discussion, Mr. Fischler provided opening remarks and reaffirmed industry’s
commitment to the KP, while also reinforcing areas for reform to ensure continued success
Mr. Fischler concluded: “Let us not forget that the KP is a process for a reason – a tripartite with many participants, diverse points of view and numerous priorities. Even though only one group holds the power to enact change directly, we will not give up.”
