Kimberley Process marks ‘breakthrough’ in expanding definition
The World Diamond Council (WDC) has welcomed the meaningful progress made towards expanding the Kimberley Process definition of conflict diamonds after a successful week of open and productive dialogue at the 2025 Intercessional in Dubai.
The meeting, hosted by the UAE and current KP Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem, marked a significant breakthrough in seeking to expand the definition of conflict diamonds after years of discussion.
The current definition, established over two decades ago, primarily addresses diamonds financing rebel movements against legitimate governments. However, the evolving nature of conflicts necessitates a broader scope.
The African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), representing 15 member countries and five observers, submitted language that moved the debate forward and brought many stakeholders back to the table. African diamond producers showed leadership in their commitment to expand the definition.
The Kimberley Process (KP) is the international forum dedicated to eliminating conflict diamonds from the global trade. It was established in May 2000 in Kimberley, South Africa, at a conference supported by the United Nations to address the problem of rough diamonds financing civil conflict in Africa.
The KP developed the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), launched in January 2003. It certifies the legitimate origin of rough diamonds so as to halt the trade in conflict goods.
In her closing speech, WDC President Feriel Zerouki said, “Consensus building does not happen through silence but through courageous, active participation. This time, we feel that the majority of KP members have come prepared with the will to modernise the definition and the will to make the Kimberley Process as impactful as it was at its inception.”
The Review and Reform cycle has demonstrated that the KP works, having advanced and completed most of the critical items on the reform agenda, including the development of new guidelines designed to support the development of diamond communities should they request it.
The KP also completed the core document and concluded the vital work on compliance and governance.
These are all important achievements and a testament to the hard work, dedication and tenacity of all members.
“The Kimberley Process is not just about stemming the flow of conflict diamonds. It is also about supporting the people behind it. More than compliance, this is about empowerment, ensuring those most affected by the diamond industry can access support should they request it,” Zerouki added.
As the KP prepares for the 2025 Plenary, the WDC remains committed to supporting participants in finalising the expanded definition of conflict diamonds that will restore full consumer and stakeholder confidence in the global diamond supply chain.
Zerouki said, “We are almost at the finish line. Let us stand together. Let us keep the momentum. Kimberley Process marks ‘breakthrough’ in expanding definition
The World Diamond Council (WDC) has welcomed the meaningful progress made towards expanding the Kimberley Process definition of conflict diamonds, after a successful week of open and productive dialogue at the 2025 Intercessional in Dubai.
The meeting, hosted by the UAE and current KP Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem, marked a significant breakthrough in seeking to expand the definition of conflict diamonds after years of discussion.
The current definition, established over two decades ago, primarily addresses diamonds financing rebel movements against legitimate governments. However, the evolving nature of conflicts necessitates a broader scope.
The African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), representing 15 member countries and five observers, submitted language that moved the debate forward and brought many stakeholders back to the table. African diamond producers showed leadership in their commitment to expand the definition.
The Kimberley Process (KP) is the international forum dedicated to eliminating conflict diamonds from the global trade. It was established in May 2000 in Kimberley, South Africa, at a conference supported by the United Nations to address the problem of rough diamonds financing civil conflict in Africa.
The KP developed the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), launched in January 2003. It certifies the legitimate origin of rough diamonds so as to halt the trade in conflict goods.
In her closing speech, WDC President Feriel Zerouki said, “Consensus building does not happen through silence but through courageous, active participation. This time, we feel that the majority of KP members have come prepared with the will to modernise the definition and the will to make the Kimberley Process as impactful as it was at its inception.”
The Review and Reform cycle has demonstrated that the KP works, having advanced and completed most of the critical items on the reform agenda, including the development of new guidelines designed to support the development of diamond communities should they request it.
The KP also completed the core document and concluded the vital work on compliance and governance.
These are all important achievements and a testament to the hard work, dedication and tenacity of all members.
“The Kimberley Process is not just about stemming the flow of conflict diamonds. It is also about supporting the people behind it. More than compliance, this is about empowerment, ensuring those most affected by the diamond industry can access support should they request it,” Zerouki added.
As the KP prepares for the 2025 plenary, the WDC remains committed to supporting participants in finalising the expanded definition of conflict diamonds, which will restore full consumer and stakeholder confidence in the global diamond supply chain.
Zerouki expressed, “We are nearly reaching the final stage.” Let us stand together. Let us keep the momentum. Let us get this done.-www.worlddiamondcouncil.org
