UAE completes Kimberley Process meeting in Dubai

UAE Concludes Historic Kimberley Process Plenary in Dubai, Marking Key Milestones for the Diamond Industry

Dubai, UAE: The United Nations-mandated Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary concluded on Friday in Dubai, capping off a pivotal chapter in the history of the diamond industry. Held during the renowned Dubai Diamond Week, the week-long gathering brought together hundreds of stakeholders from across the global diamond community, including industry leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives.

The summit was noteworthy for the Kimberley Process since it produced a number of historic results. The addition of Uzbekistan as a new member, which increased the overall number of KP members to 60, was one of the major milestones. This represents a major increase in the body’s influence and global reach.

After much discussion, the decades-long ban on the export of rough diamonds from the Central African Republic (CAR) was lifted, marking another historic move. A victory for the UAE’s Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process, led by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO and Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), this action has led to the complete reintegration of CAR into the KP. Sulayem had played a key role in promoting the re-entry of the CAR by traveling there and pressing for a review mission to expedite its reintegration in light of the better security situation.

The unveiling of a proof of concept for the digitalization of the KP certification system during the plenary was another significant step toward upgrading the Kimberley Process. By switching to blockchain technology from paper-based certificates, the program seeks to improve diamond security and traceability. This action is anticipated to guarantee more transparency in the sourcing of diamonds and drastically lower the dangers of forgeries. This digital change is a component of the UAE’s larger plan to update and adjust the Kimberley Process to meet the demands of the contemporary diamond market.

The UAE’s ambitious approach to reforming the KP has been demonstrated through its “Year of Delivery” agenda. Under this initiative, the UAE also established the permanent KP Secretariat in Botswana, a major achievement that was finalized in October. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, in his closing remarks, highlighted the success of this year’s chairmanship, stating: “We have collectively honored our commitment to meaningful progress. From the establishment of the permanent Secretariat in Botswana to the historic reintegration of CAR, the progress made during our term as KP Chair has laid a foundation for a more transparent, secure, and efficient Kimberley Process.”

H.E. Rufin Benam-Beltoungou, Minister of Mines and Geology of the Central African Republic, expressed gratitude for the resolution of the rough diamond export ban, calling it a monumental achievement for CAR. He extended his thanks to Ahmed Bin Sulayem for his leadership in guiding CAR’s successful reintegration into the KP. “We are deeply grateful for the UAE’s unwavering support, which has allowed the Central African Republic to return to the Kimberley Process family,” he said.

In support of the ruling, Jaff Bamenjo, speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Coalition, emphasized that lifting the ban on CAR was a step in the right direction toward reestablishing the integrity of the Kimberley Process. In order to improve the collaborative aspect of the process, he urged future KP Chairs—especially the UAE—to keep interacting with communities impacted by diamonds at plenary sessions.

The World Diamond Council’s president, Feriel Zerouki, praised the UAE’s initiative and dedication to the Kimberley Process. “Despite the obstacles, the UAE’s emphasis on improving security and transparency, especially through the creation of tamper-proof certificates, represents a major advancement in securing the future of the global diamond industry,” she stated.

Looking ahead, the UAE has agreed to serve as the Kimberley Process Chair in 2025, with a focus on building on the achievements of 2024. The upcoming “Year of Best Practice” will focus on refining processes, strengthening compliance mechanisms, and ensuring that the Kimberley Process remains a model of collaboration and effectiveness in securing the future of the diamond industry while safeguarding human rights.

This year’s plenary not only strengthened the UAE’s leadership role within the Kimberley Process but also reinforced the country’s commitment to fostering stability, development, and empowerment in diamond-producing countries, ensuring that diamonds continue to be a force for good worldwide.