The European Union has taken over the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process on January 2, according to Diamond World. The lead role will be taken by High Representative Vice President Federica Mogherini.
Mogherini said in a press release: “For the European Union, the Kimberley process is part of our work for sustainable development. It is part of our work for sustainable peace – to prevent new conflicts and cut the revenues of criminal and terrorist groups. It is part of our work for human rights – to make sure that diamonds produce wealth, not modern slavery. It has spread the idea that natural resources belong to communities, not militias. The main strength of the Kimberley process has always been that it looks beyond governments, to civil society and to private sector. This is our main asset as we chart the way ahead. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders in this coming year”.
The European Union will focus on “further strengthening the implementation and effectiveness of the Process and on ensuring sustainable livelihoods for producing communities. A series of events will be organised in Antwerp in June and in Brussels in November”.
