Zimbabwe has taken over the new chair of diamond monitor, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for 2023.
The country was elected vice chair of KP for 2022 at the plenary meeting held in Moscow from 8th to 12th November 2021.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando confirmed the latest developments at a meeting of diamond miners in Botswana.
Chitando said Zimbabwe is committed to leaving a positive impact on the KP as well as a lasting legacy. He said:
On behalf of the Republic of Zimbabwe, we are honoured to accept the KP chairmanship 2023. We will diligently work closely with the working groups and communities to deliver.
The KP Review Cycle is starting in 2023, this is a critical stage for repositioning the KP to remain relevant in the global rough diamond trade. We can assure you that the Republic of Zimbabwe as the KP chair will aim for a successful start to the review cycle. We will seek to achieve consensus in reaching all decisions as per KP rules.
He said Zimbabwe will be deputised by the United Arab Emirates who will be the KP vice chair for 2023.
Minister Chitando said the KP Unit technical committee for Zimbabwe will be led by Dr Engineer Mercy Manyuchi while Mr Arnold Mukombachoto will head the KP Focal Point.
The southern African nation is already preparing for hosting the two annual meetings of the KPCS in 2023, namely: the intercessional and plenary, establishment of a skeleton secretariat to start learning from other countries in hosting the chairmanship and secretariat.
KP is a global body of diamond-producing nations which has 52 participants, representing 82 countries, with the European Union and its Member States counting as single participants.
Established in 2003 by the United Nations General Council, the Kimberley Process’ objective is to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds.
Through it, member states implement safeguards on shipments of rough diamonds and certify them as conflict-free.