Appointment
Maryam Al Hashemi appointed 2026 Chair of the Kimberley Process Committee on Participation and Chairmanship
The Kimberley Process (KP) has announced the appointment of Maryam Al Hashemi as the 2026 Chair of its Committee on Participation and Chairmanship (CPC). A highly respected industry leader and KP veteran, Al Hashemi brings extensive expertise to this critical role. India will chair the KP in 2026, the third time it has chaired the body overall, with commitments to building consumer confidence, accelerating digital traceability and advancing data-driven compliance.
Currently serving as the Senior Director of Precious Stones and Metals at DMCC and the UAE KP Director, Al Hashemi has been instrumental in positioning Dubai as the world’s leading diamond trading hub. Under her leadership, Dubai’s rough and polished diamond trade has exceeded one billion carats in rough and polished over the past five years. She also oversees the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), the world’s largest diamond trading platform with over 1,365 members, and spearheads key industry events such as the Dubai Diamond Conference and the Dubai Precious Metals Conference.
With a deep background in diamond trade regulation, Al Hashemi leads the only ISO-certified KP Office globally and has played a pivotal role in managing the UAE’s sole entry and exit point for rough diamonds. Her contributions to the UAE’s KP Vice Chairmanship in 2015, Chairmanship in 2016 and 2024, and her previous tenure as CPC Chair in 2017 highlight her wealth of experience in KP governance.
The CPC is a vital body within the Kimberley Process, responsible for evaluating new participants, reviewing compliance matters, and assessing Vice-Chair candidates. Its recommendations are presented at the KP Plenary meeting, ensuring the integrity of the certification scheme. As per KP protocol, the previous year’s KP Chair assumes the role of CPC Chair the following year.
Al Hashemi’s appointment underscores her long-standing commitment to strengthening the KP framework. Her leadership is expected to further reinforce the KP’s mission in promoting responsible diamond trade practices worldwide.
source:DMCC
Appointment
Ronnie VanderLinden Appointed WDC President, Anoop Mehta Named VP
VanderLinden Stressed That The WDC’s Role Is To Help Build Confidence In Natural Diamonds and Support The Trade Globally
The World Diamond Council (WDC) has appointed Ronnie VanderLinden as its new President and diamantaire Anoop Mehta, Convenor – Diamond Panel, GJEPC, as Vice President. VanderLinden succeeds Feriel Zerouki, who was named Honorary WDC President during the AGM.
Speaking at the WDC Annual General Meeting held on 7th May 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium, VanderLinden said:
“Global natural diamond industry must unite behind a clear and consistent narrative at a time of weaker demand, growing competition, and fragmented messaging. We must speak with one voice for natural diamonds.”
VanderLinden said, stressing that the WDC’s role is to help build confidence in natural diamonds and support the trade globally. VanderLinden emphasized that the industry needs to clearly communicate the value proposition of natural diamonds, particularly their contribution to producing nations and communities. According to him, provenance, responsible sourcing, and the positive socio-economic impact of diamond mining will remain central to the industry’s messaging strategy.
He also reaffirmed the importance of the Kimberley Process (KP) in safeguarding consumer confidence. VanderLinden said the WDC would continue efforts to update the definition of conflict diamonds so that it reflects the reality of today’s risks and strengthens confidence in natural diamonds.
Joining VanderLinden in the WDC leadership team is newly appointed Vice President Anoop Mehta, whom he described as “a pillar of both the Indian and global natural diamond trade.”
The AGM also saw David Bonaparte elected as Treasurer, while Udi Sheintal was re-elected as Secretary.
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