Eli Izhakoff, Chairman of the World Diamond Council, was made Honorary President of CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation at a gala dinner in Vancouver on July 24, 2006. The title was presented by CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri and Matthew Runci, President of CIBJO�s Ethics Commission. Izhakoff was unanimously chosen by the CIBJO�s President�s Council to receive this title. The title was presented in appreciation of his life�s work.

Upon presenting the title to Izhakoff, CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri said, �It is our great pleasure to be able to recognize Eli in this way, and to underscore the massive contribution he has made to our industry. I have witnessed how he used his immense skill and personal charisma to create a coalition of industry, government and NGO�s that helped reduce the volume of conflict diamonds,� he said. Cavalieri added that the success of the Kimberley Process was largely due to Izhakoff�s contribution.

Izhakoff expressed his appreciation for the award, adding, �We have achieved much, but there is a great deal to be done � first and foremost educating our own community about the Kimberley Process, which has created a system for ensuring transparency and an untainted diamond trade from mine to market. CIBJO is an important ally in this mission,� he said.