DTC Summit Addresses Catalysts for Change
June 26, 08 by IDEX Online Staff Reporter
A three-day summit with leaders of African nations and De Beers’ rough diamond distribution arm, the Diamond Trading Company (DTC), and its clients recently concluded. The event marked the start of a new three-year contract and partnership between the DTC and its 78 Sightholders.
DTC notes that the summit’s mission was to bring leaders to where the roots of the company lay, in Africa, and to expose them to innovative approaches and leadership that would serve as the catalyst for change and prosperity in the diamond industry.
The topics covered at the conference ranged from the latest economic and political developments in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia to the latest trends in technology and economics.
Speakers included Russell Simmons, who spoke about the role individuals have in supporting humanitarian causes to positively impact the lives of others. Former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, spoke about the opportunities for foreign investment in Botswana and the importance of a cohesive partnership between the public and private sector to ensure a prosperous Africa.
The group also visited the Venetia diamond mine, where they were able to see first hand the intricate operations of a diamond mine.
To address the environmental impact of the participants’ attendance at the event, the DTC partnered with Food & Trees for Africa to voluntarily offset their carbon footprints. 320 trees were planted as a result of the visit in the area of Venetia.
