Bostwana hosts Kimberley process Intercessional meeting
Botswana as the Chair for Kimberley Process (KP) hosted a successful Kimberley Process Intercessional meeting from 20th to 24th June 2022 under the theme, “Diamonds, a catalyst for sustainable development” in Kasane, one of Botswana’s pristine tourist destinations.
The week began on Monday with official opening of the Intercession done by the Minister of Minerals & Energy, Hon. Lefoko Moagi. He appreciated the participants for honouring the invitation and for attending the meeting in person, adding that Kasane is the one of Botswana’s pristine tourist destinations.
The Minister further appreciated the growth of the KP over the years having started with 36 representatives of governments, the European Commission and the World Diamond Council; to today’s 59 participants, with more countries indicating desire to join. He said that this demonstrates that the KP members are on the right path and therefore should be proud of their efforts.
For his part, the KP Chairman Mr Jacob Thamage, apprised attendees of the successful milestones that are achieved by the KP community– the improved and effective regulation of the rough diamond trade which are able to eliminate the contribution of rough diamonds to conflict. He further inspired the KP fraternity to persevere in resolving issues through constructive proposals, dialogue, mutual respect and a spirit of cooperation to advance the agenda of the KP.
Later in the evening, guests were treated to a welcome cocktail dinner dubbed Dumela! The objective was to create an opportunity for delegates to build rapport among themselves prior to the hectic week ahead. The food was great and the DJ surely knew his story as the dance floor was packed with everyone dancing the night away.
Thereafter, the Intercessional continued during the week with breakaway sessions for various working groups. The meetings were in hybrid form, with some participants attending physically while some attended virtually. Key and pertinent issues on KP and the diamond trade as a whole were discussed. Among such issues discussed were updates on establishment of the KP Permanent Secretariat, digitization of KP certificates, multilateral tool for conflict prevention in stemming the flow of conflict diamonds and resumption of review visits.
Wednesday shifted the focus to another level as everyone came dressed in their beautiful traditional attire at the Traditional Night gala dinner. The dinner was hosted in an outdoor area (African Village); the objective was for guests to appreciate Botswana culture through attire, food and music among others, while also dressed in their own traditional attire. The cherry on top was the traditional shawl (mogagolwane) which was given to all guests as souvenirs and also to keep themselves warm.
