(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – The Diamond Empowerment Fund donated $130,000 to the Botswana Top Achievers Program during a dinner reception with His Excellency President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi of Botswana. The presentation was made on the eve of the opening of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly.
The Top Achiever program recognizes students across Botswana and provides them with the ability to study in premier universities around the world. Students then come back to Botswana and contribute towards its economic diversification. D.E.F. has contributed to the Botswana Top Achievers program since 2011.
In his remarks thanking the D.E.F., Masisi recognized that through D.E.F.’s Diamonds Do Good initiative, the Botswana diamond story is reflected in a hugely positive way, emphasizing how ethically sourced diamonds have made and continue to make enormous contributions to Botswana’s economy, an example of good governance and industry best practices.
“Everyone from Botswana attending this reception tonight in some way benefits from diamonds. We thank the Diamond Empowerment Fund for investing in the future of our next generation of leaders,” Masisi said. D.E.F President Anna Martin added, “We are thrilled that through our supporters in the diamond industry, we are able to give back to Botswana which is one of the top producers of diamonds in the world. Diamonds truly do good.”