The government of Botswana and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) concluded the co-organised, two-day diamond conference, FACETS 2023, Motswedi Wa Khumo – Diamonds for Change, in the country’s capital, Gaborone.
The conference, inaugurated by Botswana President Masisi, welcomed a host of delegates and industry stakeholders, gathering to discuss the state of the diamond industry and current challenges and opportunities, zooming in on how diamonds can be agents of change in diamond-producing countries on the African continent. The conference, attended by over 450 people, was a resounding success.
Leadership in safeguarding integrity: In their opening addresses, President Masisi, President of the European Council, Charles Michel, Minerals and Energy Minister Moagi and AWDC CEO, Ari Epstein all underscored Botswana’s leadership position as the world’s largest diamond producer, supplying a massive 22,6 million carats valued at 4.8 billion US$ last year alone.
The speakers all highlighted the importance of sustainability, transparency and traceability as key components to safeguard consumer confidence and ensure a prosperous and responsible natural diamond industry that can uplift communities and foster sustainable growth. Recognizing the role and relevance of the Kimberley Process, with Botswana hosting the first-ever permanent KP Secretariat, the opening speakers agreed these efforts need to be taken a step further.
“Blockchain technology, with its immutable ledger, can provide consumers with the guarantee that their diamonds have been ethically sourced. It empowers consumers to make informed choices and encourages responsible practices throughout the supply chain.” Masisi said.
EU President Michel pledged the EU’s support and commented: “Natural resources should never finance war or human rights abuses. Rather they should breathe life into peace, prosperity and economic development. The G7 and EU are committed to taking coordinated action to curb Russia’s earnings from the diamond trade. This includes a system of controls – to make sure these measures work … this is the way forward, to break the link between conflicts and diamonds.”
Economic challenges and geopolitical tensions are testing our resilience as an industry. In the balance is our ability to adapt and change, to question the status-quo and to seize opportunities to grow stronger with every crisis successfully battled. That is when true leadership emerges, and we are privileged to stand side by side with our Batswana and Africa partners in this matter, AWDC CEO Ari Epstein added.
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