The subject is the focus of a special panel, among five to be held during the two-day gathering at the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), which will bring together leading diamond and jewelry industry figures from across the globe.

With the increased interest of the public especially consumers towards conflict diamonds and sustainable development, the conference will also hold a panel discussion on the subject of: Ethics, NGOs and Business.

Panel members are Christine Gordon, former UN Consultant; Ola Bello, Head of GARP of the South African Institute of International Affairs; Mike Angenent, founder of the Jeweltree Foundation; Shamiso Mtisi, Member of the KP Civil Society Coalition and Head of Programmes at ZELAkk; Farai Mutamangira, Partner at Mutamangira and Associates; and Edward Asscher, President of the World Diamond Council. The panel will be moderated by Mr. Peter Meeus, Chairman of Dubai Diamond Exchange and Mr. Albert Robinson, Industry Journalist.

Mr. Ola Bello said: “At this critical juncture in the evolution of the Kimberley Process, the global diamonds industry and global non-governmental organisations require a renewed, more forward looking engagement to jointly promote positive transformation in the industry. This must be based on respect and understanding, transparency and good communication as well as realistic expectations of the type that can anchor mutual trust, support and empathy among stakeholders. Only through such a dialogue can commercial and social stakeholders create conditions for the productive partnership required to address challenges, including on Corporate Social Responsibility, Transparency and Good Governance.”

Hundreds of participants are expected at the conference, to be held at Almas Tower.

Peter Meeus, Chairman, DDE, and organiser of the Conference, said: "We have hand-picked high-caliber panel members for their expertise in the issues to be discussed. Their high-level input and analysis during the panel debates will add enormously to the knowledge of delegates to the conference regarding many different aspects of the state of the diamond and jewellery markets. We will be covering the entire pipeline and all the issues that are having an impact on business across the globe."

The other three panels are on the subjects of: Africa First, Diamond Financing, and Retail in Difficult Times.

"I am delighted that the second Dubai Diamond Conference has an agenda that is very relevant for the future of the diamond industry and a strong lineup of speakers. I look forward to new insights and new progressive steps being taken for the benefit of the diamond industry." Mr Bin Sulayem said.