UAE concludes Kimberley Process Plenary in Dubai with tangible action on membership and security

The session at the end of UAE’s ‘Year of Delivery’ as the KP chair achieved key milestones, including lifting of an embargo on rough diamond exports from the Central African Republic (CAR), admission of Uzbekistan as a new member, adopting digital certification, advancing transparency and collaboration in the diamond industry

Dubai: The United Nations-mandated Kimberley Process Plenary, hosted during Dubai Diamond Week, concluded on November 15, marking a pivotal moment for the global diamond industry. Attended by representatives from governments, civil society and the diamond trade, the event celebrated several key milestones including lifting of an embargo on rough diamond exports from the Central African Republic (CAR) and blockchain certification.

Notably, the Kimberley Process (KP) is a commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. Today, participants actively prevent 99.8% of the worldwide trade. At the annual KP Plenary, participants review and adopt essential administrative decisions that guide the Kimberley Process’s operations and strategies for the upcoming years.

The 21st Kimberley Process Plenary was held under the UAE’s Chairmanship of the KP in Dubai from November 12-15, 2024. It marked the pinnacle of this year’s KP agenda. With delegates from around the world coming together to discuss and adopt key administrative decisions, it was a crucial event in the ongoing efforts to regulate the international diamond trade and prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market.

One of the notable moments was the admission of Uzbekistan as a new member, bringing the total number of KP participants to 60. Additionally, the Plenary voted to lift a decade-long embargo on rough diamond exports from the Central African Republic (CAR), reinstating it as a full member. This decision, taken by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chair of the Kimberley Process and Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), followed extensive negotiations and on-the-ground efforts in CAR to assess its improving security situation.

Another significant development was the introduction of a digital certification system, transitioning from traditional paper-based certificates to blockchain-based technology. This innovation enhances transparency and security, making it easier to verify diamond origins and prevent tampering. The UAE’s ‘Year of Delivery’ as the KP chair also saw the successful establishment of a permanent Secretariat in Botswana, ensuring greater efficiency in managing the KP’s global operations.

Reflecting on the achievements, Ahmed Bin Sulayem said, “This year, we prioritized tangible actions. From reinstating CAR’s membership to modernizing certification and inaugurating the Secretariat, these milestones reinforce the positive impact of diamonds on development and stability.”

CAR’s Minister of Mines, Rufin Benam-Beltoungou, expressed gratitude for the decision, emphasizing its importance for the country’s economic recovery and global reintegration.

Civil society and industry leaders, including Jaff Bamenjo and Feriel Zerouki, praised the progress made under the UAE’s leadership, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in upholding the KP’s mission.

Looking ahead, the UAE will chair the KP again in 2025, with a focus on building upon the progress achieved in 2024. The upcoming ‘Year of Best Practice’ will aim to refine existing mechanisms, enhance compliance, and strengthen the KP’s role in ensuring the sustainability of the diamond industry.

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