24 February 2025
The Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has announced that the Honorable Bogolo Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals andEnergy, will headline its annual luncheon on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Pierre Hotel in NewYork City.
A globally recognised leader in economic development and trade, Minister Kenewendo played a pivotal role in shaping the landmark 10-year diamond sales agreement between De Beers and the Government of Botswana; the deal is set to significantly boost market confidence and impact the global diamond supply chain for years to come.
In an exclusive fireside chat with JVC President, CEO & General Counsel, Sara E. Yood, Esq., Minister Kenewendo will provide firsthand insight into Botswana’s evolving role in the diamond industry, the future of diamond sourcing, and what U.S. jewellery businesses should anticipate as Botswana increases its direct diamond sales.
Minister Kenewendo is one of Africa’s most influential economic leaders, frequently recognised for her impact on global trade and development.
In 2022, she was named a TIME100 Next honouree, highlighting her as one of the world’s most dynamic emerging leaders shaping the future of global policy and commerce.
Minister Kenewendo led key trade negotiations resulting in key agreements, including the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the United Kingdom Post-Brexit Agreement, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Her extensive leadership includes roles as Chairperson of Bank Gaborone, Non-Executive Director of the Africa Free Trade Area Adjustment Fund Corporation, Board Member of Ice Benchmark and advisor to governments and international institutions on trade, economic development policy and climate finance.
She has also served on the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, and the World Economic Forum’s Trade Advisory Group.
“We are honoured to host Minister Kenewendo for this critical discussion on the future of diamonds and Botswana’s growing influence in our industry,” said Sara Yood, Esq.
“This agreement marks a new era in diamond sourcing, and it’s essential for U.S. jewellery executives to understand the long-term implications. Minister Kenewendo’s firsthand knowledge and strategic insights will provide unparalleled value to our audience.”
Tickets and sponsorships for this year’s annual luncheon, which kicks off the 24 Karat Club of NY weekend in New York, are available at: https://jvclegal.org/2025-annual-luncheon-event- sponsorship.
About the Jewellers Vigilance Committee
Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC) is the jewellery industry’s independent legal expert. For more than 100 years, member-supported JVC has helped jewellers build flourishing businesses that operate with the highest levels of integrity, legal, and regulatory compliance. JVC educates and trains jewelry industry members about their rights and responsibilities as business owners, employers, suppliers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of jewellery.
As the industry’s legal advocate, the Jewellers Vigilance Committee liaises with U.S. and international judicial and regulatory bodies on issues that impact livelihoods, acting as a mediator to settle jewellery-related disputes, without court intervention. JVC is the industry’s trusted resource, committed to safeguarding the reputation, integrity and vitality of the gem, jewellery, and watch trade. https://jvclegal.org/
Source: https://rb.gy/an21jn
