Kimberley Process Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem Presents UAE Reforms as UN Backs Conflict-Free Diamond Trade Resolution
Custodian chairperson of the Kimberley Process (KP), Ahmed Bin Sulayem, addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on April 15, outlining the United Arab Emirates’ achievements during its “Year of Best Practice” and introducing a UAE-led resolution titled “The Role of Diamonds in Fuelling Conflict,” which was adopted by consensus.
In a media statement, the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates noted that the resolution, co-sponsored by 50 countries, reflects key decisions and outcomes reached during the UAE’s tenure as KP chair.
The resolution reinforces the initiative’s mission to ensure a conflict-free global diamond trade.
The ministry said the resolution provides international recognition of the UAE’s major milestones during its 2025 chairmanship, including expanded technical assistance for diamond-producing communities, strengthened governance and working methods, and progress in the structural review of the KP aimed at addressing challenges faced by artisanal and small-scale mining communities.
The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative that brings together governments, industry and civil society to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate rough diamond market.
Although the resolution is not legally binding, the ministry emphasized that it strengthens global commitment to responsible sourcing and recognizes the UAE’s leadership in advancing the KP’s objectives.
Speaking at the UNGA, Bin Sulayem said the UAE’s “Year of Best Practice” focused on translating earlier progress into stronger implementation and more effective governance.
He noted that priorities included strengthening compliance, reinforcing institutional continuity and ensuring the KP remains responsive to evolving industry and regulatory challenges.
Bin Sulayem highlighted several initiatives delivered under the UAE’s chairmanship in 2025, including enhanced technical support for diamond-producing regions, advancement of the KP’s structural review process, and improvements to governance frameworks and leadership arrangements.
He also pointed to the significance of the ministerial meeting held during the Dubai KP Plenary, describing it as the first KP ministerial-level gathering since the meeting in Interlaken in 2002.
Under the UAE’s leadership, the KP also advanced digitalisation initiatives, including the rollout of Verifico, a secure digital certification platform designed to improve traceability, efficiency and integrity within the diamond certification system.
The UAE further initiated discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening verification and compliance processes, including the development of pilot programmes, harmonised data standards and phased integration of AI technologies into the KP framework.
The UAE previously became the first Arab country to chair the Kimberley Process in 2016. It later assumed the chairmanship again in 2024 and served for a record third time in 2025 as custodian chair under Bin Sulayem, underscoring its growing influence in global diamond governance.
