Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP), addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, highlighting the UAE’s significant achievements during its 2024 Chairmanship and the adoption of a UAE-led resolution on the role of diamonds in fuelling conflict.
The UNGA overwhelmingly adopted the resolution, co-sponsored by 37 countries, which reinforces the Kimberley Process’s core mission of ensuring a conflict-free global diamond trade. The resolution also acknowledges the UAE’s key accomplishments in advancing the KP’s goals.
Among the key milestones was the establishment of the first-ever KP Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, a significant step in institutionalising the process.
The resolution also recognised other major developments, including Uzbekistan’s integration as the 60th KP member and the lifting of long-standing restrictions on rough diamond exports from the Central African Republic (CAR).
Bin Sulayem highlighted the UAE’s role in advancing the KP’s mission amid geopolitical complexities. “We ensured meaningful progress, advanced the agenda, and reinforced the integrity of the Kimberley Process,” he stated.
The UNGA session saw global commendations for the UAE’s leadership. The European Union praised the UAE’s consensus-building efforts, while Zimbabwe lauded its contributions to job creation in the natural diamond industry. CAR representatives expressed gratitude for the UAE’s role in lifting trade restrictions, enhancing the KP’s credibility.
As the UAE assumes the Custodian Chair role for 2025 and leads the Committee on Participation and Chairmanship (CPC) in 2026, it continues to shape the future of the global diamond trade.
The UAE will continue to play a leading role in the Kimberley Process, serving as Custodian Chair in 2025 and Chairing the Committee on Participation and Chairmanship (CPC) in 2026.