The Kimberley Process (KP) chairperson Ahmed Bin Sulayem addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York where he delivered an update on the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s 2024 chairmanship achievements under its ‘Year of Delivery’ and introduced his country led resolution, “The Role of Diamonds in Fuelling Conflict”, which was adopted by overwhelming majority at the UN.
The resolution, co-sponsored by 37 countries, reflects key decisions reached by consensus during the UAE’s tenure, reinforcing the KP’s mission to ensure conflict-free global diamond trade.
While not legally binding, the resolution strengthens global commitment to conflict-free diamond trade and recognises the UAE’s leadership in advancing the KP’s mission.
It also gives international recognition to the UAE’s major milestones, including the establishment of the first-ever KP Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, and the appointment of the KP executive secretary, marking a significant step towards institutionalising the process for long-term efficiency.
Other landmark achievements highlighted in the resolution include Uzbekistan’s integration as the 60th KP member and the lifting of restrictions on rough diamond exports from the Central African Republic (CAR) after a decade-long ban.
Meanwhile, a representative of the European Union (EU) congratulated the UAE for building consensus amid extraordinary times.
“This joint initiative of governments, civil society and industry has had a valuable developmental impact in improving the lives of people dependent on the trade in diamonds, reinforcing the message that diamonds belong to the communities that mined them, not to militias,” said the EU representative.
A representative of the Central African Republic (CAR) said UAE’s keenness to listen and their commitment to achieve a balanced consensus have proved essential.
“The commitment of the UAE has allowed us to bolster the integrity and effectiveness of the KP, and we must collectively pursue this dynamic to benefit a responsible and transparent mining industry,” said the CAR representative.
The UAE will continue to lead the KP as custodian chair in 2025.
It will also chair the Committee on participation and Chairmanship (CPC) in 2026.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
Produced and published as part of the project "Best practices have a voice"
