Ivanhoe’s Kipushi zinc mine in the DRC officially reopens
The restart marked exactly a century since the mine first went into production.
The Second Dubai Diamond Conference, being held April 21-22, will highlight one of the most pressing issues affecting the global diamond trade: ethical business behaviour. It is the focus of a special panel, among five to be held during the two-day gathering at the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), which will bring together leading diamond and jewelry industry figures from across the globe.
With the rise in interest among the general public, especially consumers, in the issue of conflict diamonds and sustainable development, the conference will also hold a panel discussion on the subject of: Ethics, NGOs and Business. Panel members are Christine Gordon, former UN Consultant; Ola Bello, Head of GARP of the South African Institute of International Affairs; Mike Angenent, founder of the Jeweltree Foundation; Shamiso Mtisi, Member of the KP Civil Society Coalition and Head of Programmes at ZELAkk; Farai Mutamangira, Partner at Mutamangira and Associates; and Edward Asscher, President of the World Diamond Council. The panel will be moderated by Peter Meeus, Chairman of Dubai Diamond Exchange and Albert Robinson, Industry Journalist.
Ola Bello, Head of GARP of the South African Institute of International Affairs, said: “At this critical juncture in the evolution of the Kimberley Process, the global diamonds industry and global non-governmental organisations require a renewed, more forward looking engagement to jointly promote positive transformation in the industry. This must be based on respect and understanding, transparency and good communication as well as realistic expectations of the type that can anchor mutual trust, support and empathy among stakeholders. Only through such a dialogue can commercial and social stakeholders create conditions for the productive partnership required to address challenges, including on Corporate Social Responsibility, Transparency and Good Governance.”
Hundreds of participants are expected at the conference, to be held at Almas Tower, the Middle East’s tallest commercial building and home to over 1,000 diamond, precious metals, precious stones and jewellery companies.
Peter Meeus, Chairman, DDE, and Organiser of the Conference, said: “We have hand-picked high-caliber panel members for their expertise in the issues to be discussed. Their high-level input and analysis during the panel debates will add enormously to the knowledge of delegates to the conference regarding many different aspects of the state of the diamond and jewellery markets. We will be covering the entire pipeline and all the issues that are having an impact on business across the globe.”
The other three panels are on the subjects of: Africa First, Diamond Financing, and Retail in Difficult Times
“I am delighted that the second Dubai Diamond Conference has an agenda that is very relevant for the future of the diamond industry and a strong lineup of speakers. I look forward to new insights and new progressive steps being taken for the benefit of the diamond industry.” Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said.
Registration for the conference has started. More information can be found on the Dubai Diamond Conference website: http://www.diamondconference.ae/
DMCC- Made For Trade
DMCC is dedicated to enhancing Dubai’s position as the global gateway for commodity trade. The most successful markets create conditions that enable producers, traders and consumers to thrive. DMCC is a Dubai Government Authority committed to developing these ideal conditions for trade and enterprise. DMCC has a strong track record in commodity trade facilitation and we encourage and support business through the platforms we provide. These include our Free Zone, commodity exchanges, legal and regulatory frameworks and our strong real estate offering. As part of our DMCC Free Zone expansion strategy to provide large corporates with a commercial property offering unique to the Dubai marketplace – DMCC is developing the ‘Burj 2020 District’ with the world’s tallest commercial tower, the ‘Burj 2020’, as its centrepiece. www.dmcc.ae Dubai
The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) is a DMCC platform and a leading diamond centre based in the Almas Tower. From buyers to sellers to service providers – everything the industry require in terms of infrastructure and a marketplace is available under one roof in a secure environment at Almas Tower including: DDE, vaulting, boiling, polishing, certification, transport and logistics services and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
Dubai’s strong leadership and vision has enabled the Emirate to quickly transform itself into a key link in the global transport and distribution system. Since its inception in 2002, DMCC has successfully established Dubai as the global gateway for commodities trade by building and enhancing its physical and financial infrastructure, regulatory standards, products and services, including the launch of the DDE and the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX). This has positioned Dubai as one of the world’s leading diamond centres.
