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RAPAPORT...
The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) and the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana invited diamond industry leaders, government officials, and business executives from throughout the world to attend a special VIP black tie event to celebrate the global success of the diamond industry in Botswana. The event will be held on June 5, 2012, at the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, 1531 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC. This gala salute to Botswana: “Diamonds Empower Africa” will take place during the Kimberley Process intersessional meeting in Washington, DC where international representatives of the industry will be assembled, including a delegation from the World Diamond Council led by Eli Izhakoff. Phyllis Bergman, the president of D.E.F., said, “We are pleased to recognize the outstanding progress and sustainable impact that the diamond industry continues to have on the people and economy of Botswana as a global model of good corporate social responsibility.” D.E.F. chairman Russell Simmons, said, “As Botswana continues to be one of the most prosperous countries in Africa, the diamond industry comes to symbolize hope and empowerment for millions of people, and those steps forward by the industry should be highlighted.” Botswana’s Ambassador, Tebelelo Seretse, reinforces the positive impact Botswana’s diamond journey has had on transforming her country to one of the best in the world. “Botswana is a beacon of hope, a true jewel of Africa. This could not have been possible without diamonds. As the country embarks on an excellence strategy in partnership with the Diamond Empowerment Fund, it has identified top students, the future leaders called Top Achievers who are sponsored at top universities to further their education to move the country to higher levels.” A highlight of the evening will be a live auction for a spectacular six-night safari adventure for two, donated by Wilderness Safaris in Botswana, including an exclusive day tour of Diamond Trading Company Botswana’s world-class facility located in Gaborone. In addition, Debswana will arrange for a private tour of the world’s richest diamond mine by value, Jwaneng, located 75 miles west of Gaborone. The presenting sponsor for this salute to Botswana is Tiffany & Co., and support sponsors include Exelco Group, Julius Klein Group, and Leo Schachter Diamonds.
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