WDC Welcomes Australia as 2017 KP Chair and EU, India as Vice-Chairs

(IDEX Online) – The further strengthening of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the introduction of new working methods and new ways of organizing processes, were crucial at this year’s KP Plenary Meeting in Dubai, the World Diamond Council (WDC) said in a statement.

The WDC joined representatives of governments from more than 50 countries and other Observers in discussing mechanisms for greater industry inclusion.

The WDC launched its first KP Observers Forum during the Plenary Meeting. The Forum was created to give the opportunity to WDC members, industry experts and civil society partners to meet and discuss their common goals and joint efforts to promote further evolution of the KPCS and its continued success and credibility. The KP Observers Forum was attended by WDC, DDI and ADPA.

“The first Observers Forum was a success," stated WDC President Andrey Polyakov. "Among other topics, we discussed what more the industry, with the knowledge and experience we have, could do for the countries in need of such expertise. We believe very strongly that education is key. The WDC, through its members, will continue to provide accessible training; supporting and educating professionals to work in those diamond areas where this help is needed and recommended by the KP.”

The WDC said it welcomed the initiative of the KP Chair to implement the special forums mechanism on the margins of the KP meetings. These new events allow KP members and Observers to come together to discuss issues that are not directly related to the KPCS, but are still of significant importance to the entire diamond pipeline.

WDC also welcomed the readmission of Venezuela with the support of the full membership of the KP, and congratulated the Central African Republic and is committed to continue its support for its further full reintegration under the agreed framework of the KP. "We encourage the ongoing critical dialogue they have created with neighboring countries, and their perseverance to sustain a conflict-free trade in their country.

“On behalf of the WDC and all its members, I would like to congratulate the EU and India as well, with their election as the KP Vice-chairs. We believe a consensus choice of two Vice-Chairs for 2017 and 2018 at one meeting to be an extremely important precedent. It will allow the KP to look ahead even further, empowering the stability and consistency of the organization,” Polyakov continued.