Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Chair of the Kimberley Process, delivered a high-level presentation at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, representing the United Arab Emirates as the “presiding state.” During this address, he highlighted the primary achievements of the country’s presidency in 2025 under the initiative “Year of Best Practices” and discussed the resolution led by the UAE addressing “the role of diamonds in fueling conflicts,” which received unanimous approval.
This resolution, co-sponsored by 50 nations, reflects the outcomes of the UAE’s presidency and fortifies international efforts toward establishing a conflict-free global diamond trade. It serves as international recognition of the advancements made, including the launch of initiatives for technical assistance to diamond-producing communities, improvements in governance frameworks, and notable progress in the structural review of the Kimberley Process.
Although the resolution is non-binding legally, it affirms global commitment to combat the association of diamond trade with conflicts, while also underscoring the UAE’s leadership role in enhancing the efficiency of the Kimberley Process worldwide.
In his speech, bin Sulayem stated that the “Year of Best Practices” played a vital role in building on last year’s achievements, transforming them into more efficient and sustainable mechanisms, with improved compliance levels and readiness to adapt to the sector’s rapid changes.
He highlighted several key initiatives implemented during the presidency, including enhanced technical support for diamond-producing communities, governance framework advancements, and progress in addressing challenges faced by artisanal and small-scale mining. He noted the importance of the ministerial meeting held in Dubai, the first of its kind since 2002, which fostered international consensus on the priorities for developing the process.
On the topic of digital transformation, bin Sulayem referred to the launch of the “Verifico” digital platform for certification issuance aimed at boosting transparency, traceability, and efficiency. He emphasized that artificial intelligence technologies are fundamental to the future development of the Kimberley Process by supporting verification systems and enhancing operational effectiveness.
The UAE’s efforts received widespread commendation from member states, with several delegations, including those from Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and the United States, praising the country’s leadership in successfully chairing the process and promoting international cooperation for responsible diamond trade that aids in development and stability.
The representative from Zimbabwe lauded the UAE’s efforts during its presidency of the Kimberley Process, highlighting its successful leadership as the “presiding state” for 2025 and its crucial role in facilitating negotiations on the UN resolution.
He pointed out that the Kimberley Process continues to solidify its status as a unique tripartite initiative that brings together governments, the diamond sector, and civil society to prevent conflict diamonds from entering global trade networks. He also noted that the process extends beyond this framework, serving as a supportive platform for development, trade, investment, and promoting international cooperation in the mining sector, as well as contributing to economic growth and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, the representative of the United Kingdom expressed the country’s appreciation for the UAE’s exceptional leadership of the Kimberley Process during the “Year of Best Practices,” lauding the achievements made since the initiative’s inception.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to continuing support for international efforts to dissociate diamond trade from conflicts, thereby contributing to the advancement of peace and security and aiding in the progress of communities.
The representative of the United States praised the constructive engagement of UN General Assembly members with the resolution, expressing appreciation for the UAE’s active role in facilitating its proceedings.
He urged the ongoing reform of the Kimberley Process to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance in light of the rapid developments in diamond supply chains, including efforts to expand the definition of conflict diamonds.
The United Arab Emirates is the first and only Arab nation to chair the Kimberley Process, having previously held the presidency in 2016 and resumed leadership in 2024, continuing its role as the presiding state in 2025, in line with its commitment to promoting transparency and sustainability in the global diamond trade.