At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP), presented the UAE’s significant accomplishments during its 2024 Chairmanship, including the adoption of a UAE-led resolution on the role of diamonds in fuelling conflict. The resolution, co-sponsored by 37 countries, strengthens the Kimberley Process’s mission of ensuring a conflict-free global diamond trade and acknowledges the UAE’s vital contributions to advancing the KP’s goals.

One of the key achievements during the UAE’s chairmanship was the establishment of the first-ever Kimberley Process Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, marking a major institutional step forward. The resolution also highlighted other milestones, such as Uzbekistan’s integration as the 60th member of the KP and the lifting of long-standing export restrictions on rough diamonds from the Central African Republic (CAR).

Bin Sulayem emphasized the UAE’s leadership in driving the KP’s mission amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. “We made meaningful progress, advanced the agenda, and upheld the integrity of the Kimberley Process,” he stated.

The UAE’s leadership was widely praised during the UNGA session, with the European Union commending the UAE’s efforts in building consensus, while Zimbabwe recognized its contributions to job creation in the natural diamond industry. Representatives from the Central African Republic expressed gratitude for the UAE’s pivotal role in lifting trade restrictions, thus enhancing the credibility of the KP.

Looking ahead, the UAE is set to continue its leadership in the Kimberley Process, serving as Custodian Chair in 2025 and Chairing the Committee on Participation and Chairmanship (CPC) in 2026, shaping the future of the global diamond trade.