The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially taken on the role of chairing the Kimberley Process (KP), a crucial initiative by the United Nations (UN) aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering the global rough diamond market. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the Executive Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC), now serves as the Chair of the Kimberley Process for the second time, having previously held the position in 2016.
In 2024, Ahmed Bin Sulayem will lead the KP, representing 85 countries, through a 'Year of Delivery,' during which several vital initiatives and workstreams will come to fruition. These include the full operationalization of the permanent secretariat in Botswana, initially proposed by the UAE in 2016. Additionally, there will be the completion of the review and reform cycle led by Angola, along with overseeing the future-proofing of the KP and its operational structure. This involves the transition of the existing paper-based KP certificates to blockchain technology, with the aim of eliminating forgery and counterfeiting.
During the 2023 plenary session hosted by the outgoing chair, Zimbabwe, Ahmed Bin Sulayem expressed the significance of their work in the Kimberley Process, emphasizing the collective responsibility to contribute to the stability and prosperity of economies. As the KP Chair, his focus will be on solidifying the KP’s ability to operate autonomously and efficiently, leading it into a new era of action.
Commenting on the outcome of the Plenary in Zimbabwe, which concluded without a complete communique, Bin Sulayem highlighted the need to overcome geopolitical gridlocks that impede the crucial work of the Kimberley Process. He stressed the urgency of translating intentions into action, making 2024 a pivotal year in collaboration with all KP members to fulfill promises, particularly to Africa.
The UAE and DMCC have a profound history with the KP, being the first Arab country to join in 2003. In 2019, the UAE’s KP office achieved the distinction of being the first in the world to be ISO certified.
The UAE, the largest importer and exporter of diamonds with KP certificates, issues the second highest number of KP certificates globally. With its chairmanship, the UAE further solidifies its position in the diamond industry, marked by its role as the largest rough diamond trading hub in the world in 2021. The country is fast approaching the top spot for polished diamonds as well, with its total rough and polished diamond trade reaching $37.4 billion in 2022, a 17% increase year-on-year.