It was a productive meeting, with high interaction and constructive deliberations among Participants and Observers in the working bodies, reflected in the final Communique.
The ongoing reform and review agenda was in the spotlight. In addition, discussions focused on a variety of issues related to monitoring, the situation in the Central African Republic, technical aspects of diamond trade and statistics, challenges in alluvial and artisanal mining, as well as procedural and partnership matters. A special forum took place, devoting particular attention to environmental challenges in diamond mining. The Kimberley Process welcomed Gabon as a new Participant.
Solid progress was made to ensure that the Kimberley Process remains fit for purpose by reinforcing its tripartite structure, deepening the review and reform process, strengthening implementation and effectiveness, as well as focusing on the prosperity of mining communities. Addressing the Plenary, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Federica Mogherini, made a strong plea to move “from blood diamonds to peace diamonds”.
Four Administrative Decisions were adopted:
- Administrative Decision on the Establishment of a Kimberley Process Secretariat;
- Administrative Decision for Kimberley Process Engagement with External Organizations;
- Administrative Decision on the Compilation of Modifications to Technical Definitions; and
- Administrative Decision on the Use of Unified Diamond Nomenclature.
Substantial advancement was also made towards strengthening the Administrative Decision on Peer Review, as well as in consolidating the Core Document. The Plenary recalled its commitment to the reform and review of the Kimberley Process, including enhancing its effectiveness and considering how to strengthen the scope of the Kimberley Process in the Core Document. It therefore reaffirmed the mandate of the Ad Hoc Committee on Review and Reform (AHCRR) until December 2019. The AHCRR will newly be chaired by Angola, with Canada serving as Vice-Chair.
India will serve as Chair of the Kimberley Process in 2019. Botswana and the Russian Federation successfully submitted a joint candidacy for Vice-Chairmanship during the period of 2019-2020, but with sequencing to be confirmed.