UAE KP proposal gets nod for secretariat, NGO fund

dubai — Ahmed bin Sulayem, Kimberley Process Chair (KP Chair), brought a close to a historic KP Plenary that took place in Dubai between November 13 and 17.

Key participants in the global initiative voted to approve the KP Chair’s ideas to establish a Permanent Secretariat and to set up a common Fund for NGOs. The event was attended by over 300 delegates from around the world including governments, industry and a group of civil society organisations.

Approval for the Permanent Secretariat will see the establishment of a body that is dedicated towards addressing the KP’s current structural challenges. While the KP is effective at removing countries that breach its protocols, it takes a long time to bring them back into the process – depriving these countries of much needed revenue.

“The historic decisions made today will have an enduring impact on the long-term sustainability of the KP and the diamond industry,” said Bin Sulayem. “We are very proud of the way that the KP family has come together to enact these vital proposals that will lend greater structure and transparency to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. I look forward to working closely with the next KP Chair to ensure these initiatives are implemented efficiently and effectively.”

The proposal to establish a common Fund for NGOs involved in the KP would provide the civil society organisations the resources to more actively participate in annual KP events.

— business@khaleejtimes.com