UN Kimberley Process Intersessional Dialogue on diamond industry held in Dubai 

The KP intersessional opening was hosted at Uptown Tower, Uptown Dubai, and drew diamond industry representatives, civil society members, and govt officials

Dubai: The UN-mandated Kimberley Process (“KP”) Intersessional meeting kicked off in Dubai, UAE, with a resounding call to expedite consensus in decision-making processes to ensure the long-term security, efficiency, and operationalization of the diamond industry. 

Hosted at Uptown Tower, Uptown Dubai, the headquarters of DMCC, the KP intersessional opening drew a global gathering of hundreds of diamond industry representatives, civil society members, and governmental officials. The UAE, under the leadership of DMCC’s CEO and Executive Chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem, is currently chairing the UN-mandated KP for the second time in its history. 

Operating under the theme of the “Year of Delivery,” the UAE aims to overcome political hurdles and drive tangible actions, including the establishment of a permanent secretariat in Botswana, completed in April, the conclusion of the KP review and reform cycle, and the long-term digitalization of the KP. 

The opening session, slated for a week-long series of discussions, featured a special plenary on Friday, underscoring the urgency to address pressing issues affecting the global diamond trade through enhanced consensus-building and accelerated decision-making. 

During his address, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasized the crucial role played by the Kimberley Process in curbing the trade of conflict diamonds and reducing incentives for smugglers. He stressed the importance of consensus and collaboration to strengthen and refine the functioning of the organization under the Review and Reform cycle. 

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the UAE’s Chair of the Kimberley Process, highlighted the significance of hosting a Special Session of Plenary for the first time in KP’s history to pass key administrative decisions and acknowledge best practices. He underscored the necessity of seeking solutions that reinforce transparency and accountability within KP

Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council, urged participants to make progress during the intersessional week, acknowledging external factors that have impacted diamond jewellery demand globally. She emphasized the importance of the special session of the plenary in pushing for advancements during the pivotal “Year of Delivery.” 

Representing the Civil Society Coalition, Jaff Bamenjo called on the KP to adopt a comprehensive approach, emphasizing the need to leverage diamond mining for community development and well-being. 

Established in 2003 by the United Nations, the Kimberley Process comprises 85 participating countries committed to ensuring that unregulated rough diamonds do not fund conflicts. The UAE, having previously chaired the KP in 2016, has once again assumed the chairmanship in 2024, reaffirming its dedication to regulating the global diamond trade.

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