The World Diamond Council (WDC) has praised the progress made towards expanding the Kimberley Process (KP) definition of conflict diamonds, after what it said was “a successful week of open and productive dialogue” at this year’s Intersessional in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The meeting, hosted by the UAE and current KP chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem, marked a significant breakthrough in seeking to expand the definition of conflict diamonds after years of discussion.

The current definition, established more than 20 years ago, primarily addresses diamonds financing rebel movements against legitimate governments. However, the evolving nature of conflicts has necessitated a broader scope.

The African Diamond Producers Association, representing 15 member countries and five observers, submitted language that moved the debate forward and brought numerous stakeholders back to the table, the WDC said, commending African diamond producers for showing leadership in their commitment to expand the definition.

“Consensus building does not happen through silence, but through courageous, active participation. This time, we feel that the majority of KP members have come prepared with the will to modernise the definition and the will to make the KP as impactful as it was at its inception,” WDC president Feriel Zerouki said.

The WDC said the review and reform cycle had shown that the KP worked, having advanced and completed most of the critical items on the reform agenda, including the development of new guidelines designed to support the development of diamond communities should they request it.

The KP also completed the core document and concluded work on compliance and governance.

“The KP is not just about stemming the flow of conflict diamonds. It is also about supporting the people behind it. More than compliance, this is about empowerment, ensuring those most affected by the diamond industry can access support should they request it,” Zerouki added.

As the KP prepared for the 2025 Plenary, the WDC said it remained committed to supporting participants in finalising the expanded definition of conflict diamonds that would contribute to restoring consumer and stakeholder confidence in the global diamond supply chain.

“We are almost at the finish line. Let us stand together. Let us keep the momentum. Let us get this done,” Zerouki said.