This groundbreaking facility will house a team of up to five staff members in its initial year and will act as a central hub for institutional memory and continuity, providing essential support for the KP’s working groups and member countries. Bojun Tang will lead the new office.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, along with Botswana’s Honourable Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi, following a courtesy visit to Botswana’s President, HE Dr. Mokgweeti E.K. Masisi. During this visit, Botswana reaffirmed its strong commitment to the KP. The ceremony was graced by officials from the Botswana government, industry leaders, and representatives from countries including Angola, China, the EU, Russia, Ukraine, and the UK.
In his remarks, Bin Sulayem stated, “The opening of the KP Secretariat represents a historic milestone for the diamond trade and the Kimberley Process. This new office will be vital in promoting unity and ensuring that diamonds continue to foster positive development across Africa, benefiting communities and economies alike. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government of Botswana for its generous support in making this vision a reality.”
The KP, with its extensive network of 59 diamond control offices around the globe, remains the only framework that ensures the legitimacy of the diamond trade. The new Secretariat will play a pivotal role in advancing the KP’s mission to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the marketplace, further enhancing the integrity of the diamond industry.
