Signed Tuesday at the Paris Peace Forum, the declaration highlights diamonds’ contribution to producer economies and calls for annual progress reports starting in 2027 as well as public information initiatives.

ROCK SOLID: A day after announcing its intention to double its stake in De Beers Group, Botswana made another clear move for natural diamonds.

At the Peace Forum held Tuesday at the Musée de la Marine, the African nation signed a declaration with France, committing to promote responsible growth in the sector and strengthen consumer confidence.

The signing by France’s minister delegate for foreign trade and economic attractiveness Nicolas Forissier and Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo coincides with the 60th anniversary of Botswana’s independence and of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Known as the Paris Declaration, the agreement recognizes natural diamonds’ contribution to producer economies and calls for responsible, transparent sourcing, worker protections and clear terminology, specifying that “diamond” refers to a natural diamond.

The two countries intend to establish a joint working group with private-sector representatives to monitor implementation and publish annual progress reports starting in 2027. The declaration also calls for public information initiatives and the application of existing consumer-protection laws.

“We are delighted with this declaration. It is a reminder that the value of a natural diamond extends far beyond its beauty, supporting livelihoods, communities and economies in producing countries around the world,” said Amber Pepper, chief executive officer of The Diamond Collective, formerly known as the Natural Diamond Council.

“Diamonds also sit at the heart of France’s extraordinary jewelry heritage, bringing together the rarity of the stone with generations of craftsmanship and expertise,” she added.

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