ECOSOC Special Meeting

Natural Resources, Peaceful Societies and Sustainable Development: Lessons from the Kimberley Process

18 March 2022, 3:00 pm

Thank you, Mr. President for organizing this meeting. It has been a constructive exchange today on Kimberley Process, the lessons learnt and how these could translate into the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. It is pleasure today to contribute to the conversation.

2. India is one of the founding members of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and since its inception in 2003, has played an active role in the progress and advancement of this unique tripartite structure, recognized by the United Nations. India has twice been entrusted with the responsibility of KP Chair, which in a way reflects India’s commitment to the Process.

3. India has worked towards ensuring that the Kimberley Process is inclusive and remains relevant in addressing the challenges emerging out of conflict. In July 2019, India introduced an amendment to create a separate 8 Digit code for laboratory-grown rough diamonds, thereby becoming one of the early adopters of distinct HS Codes for both rough and polished synthetic diamonds. The entire KP fraternity – consisting of the participants and observers have worked hard to move the Kimberley Process forward; and the continued success of the Process remains an important goal and commitment for us.

4. India is committed to making the KPCS a stronger process in terms of inclusiveness, strengthened administration and implementation, efficient in terms of delivery of what it promises, more transparent and empathetic towards the living standards of people who are dependent on the production, trade and manufacture of diamonds.

5. The KP has been an important catalyst for promoting economic and social development, helping to improve the lives of the millions of people dependent on the diamond trade, particularly in developing countries. It is important to keep working to strengthen the tripartite structure of Kimberley Process and encouraging discussion between its three pillars- Governments, industry and civil society – with a view to getting consensus around the various agendas set forth and enhancing regional approach.

6. Today, almost 99.8% of the world’s diamonds come from conflict-free sources. With ethics, sustainability and responsible production now central factors in consumer choice, we consider that practical reform of the KP will facilitate an even greater contribution to sustaining peace and to the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals .The 4Cs (Cut, Clarity, Colour & Carat) of diamond may soon be expanded to 5Cs with the 5th C being ‘Conflict-free’. And India will play an active role in this evolution and the transformation from ‘conflict’ to ‘peace’ diamonds.

I thank you.