2nd International Diamond Conference beckons

The World’s leaders in the Diamond Industry will come together in Namibia, for the International Diamond Conference 2015 set for 24 to 27 November. The Conference will run under the theme: “Omugongo, A Cut above the Rest.”
This event will be held at the Safari Conference Centre in the capital. The summit will include Speakers from across the world and this will be a unique forum for dialogue and cooperation between industry leaders at the highest level.
The overall theme of the Conference will focus on the “Challenges facing diamond beneficiation in Southern Africa: How can we make this industry viable and sustainable.”
The Minister of Mines and Energy Hon. Obeth Mbul Kandjoze will open the two-day Conference. Industry expert Chaim Even-Zohar will be coordinating the conference. Speakers include: Hon. Walter K. Chidakwa, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development of Zimbabwe; Shihaleni E Ndjaba, CEO at Namibia Diamond Trading Company, Burhan Seber, President of the Diamond Manufacturers Association of Namibia (DIAMAN); Kombadayedu Kapwanga, President of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia; and many others.
During the conference, the National Earth Science Museum at the Ministry of Mines and Energy will showcase some prestigious pieces of the Shining Lights Diamond Design Collection, some crafted by award-winning local designers.
This Exhibition, entitled The Heritage Journey, will illustrate the process that every diamond goes through: starting at the mine and arriving as a finished jewellery piece. The beneficiation chain affecting all layers of the community – will be represented by professionals from the diamond cutters and the manufacturers associations, who during the exhibition, will show how diamonds are being cut and transformed into jewellery.
At the end of the Conference, participants will be attend a Gala Dinner exclusively hosted at the Parliament Gardens, courtesy of the National Assembly. Her Excellency, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been invited to open the ceremony. Michelle McLean-Bailey, former Miss Namibia and Miss Universe will be the hostess of the evening.
Meaning, according to Mr Kennedy Hamutenya, the Diamond Board of Namibia is proud to be hosting this event, to show the world the hidden jewel that is Namibia and the role that the Board plays in this industry.
This responsibility includes the Board advisory role to the Minister of Mines and Energy on any matters relating to the diamond industry and the facilitation of the industry’s promotion and protection.