WDC pays tribute to Nicky Oppenheimer

The World Diamond Council’s 8th Annual Meeting in Vicenza, Italy concluded with a Gala Dinner and a special tribute to De Beers Chairman Nicky Oppenheimer. On this occasion, WDC President Eli Izhakoff presented Mr. Oppenheimer with a silver plate and read the inscription which recognized Mr. Oppenheimer for his dedicated support for the World Diamond Council and the Kimberley Process.

Speaking to gathering, Mr. Oppenheimer, said that the World Diamond Council dinner would be the last industry event that he would address before his retirement from De Beers.

He mentioned that "Like the Kimberley Process, the WDC will also need to evolve to ensure that it can continue to represent the diamond industry effectively in its engagements with governments and other stakeholders.”. He further added that the as the industry is growing in its ‘global reach and new consumer markets, the emerging trading and polishing centers and new producers must have an equal voice in the future direction of our industry as they stand alongside more established markets and producers. There is no doubt in my mind that the World Diamond Council's success over the next few years will be measured in part by how effective it is in building bridges of understanding across the diamond pipeline to the benefit of both producers and markets."

Referring to the changes that will come about in his life following his retirement, he mentioned that he remains ‘confident that WDC and our industry as a whole take the steps necessary to ensure that it can continue to promote the enormous good we are capable of achieving and to defend the integrity and of our unique and beautiful product’. During his speech Mr. Oppenheimer was accompanied by his son Jonathan and other senior De Beers officials.

The Gala Dinner was hosted by the Fiera di Vicenza.