The 37th World Diamond Congress opened in Dubai at an impressive inaugural ceremony attended by over 200 delegates from across the world with WFDB President Ernie Blom reiterating the importance of achieving Transparency, Responsibility and Sustainability, the three key themes of the event, and stressing that they are relevant to all the challenges that the global diamond industry is facing.

"From mining to diamond cutting and polishing, and from jewellery making to retailing, we must ensure that we are all working in a fair and honest way, and strengthening our Corporate Social Responsibility operations," Blom said.

He called on the indsutry bodies to be more proactive in dealing with such issues instead of leaving them to governmental bodies and other agencies. "I believe it is time that the diamond industry went on the offensive. It seems to me we have been on the defensive too long – and unnecessarily so. We have one of the most self-regulated industries in the world."
In the context of the current issues related to financing, Blom said that WFDB wants to esatblish a Know-Your-Client platform to increase transparency.
Earlier, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Chair of the Kimberley Process, welcomed the delegates and guests, saying, “We often say that our city has a pivotal location between east and west. The important global events here this month show that diamonds are particularly big on the agenda with today’s opening of the World Diamond Congress and the Kimberley Process Intersessional meetings next week. The fact that the world’s industry leaders are taking part in these conferences also show that we are united in our pursuit of industry excellence.”

Dubai Diamond Exchange Chairman Peter Meeus spoke of the growing role of Dubai in the global diamond business, saying it traded more than $30 billion of diamonds in 2015. He added that banks in Dubai are looking at financing options for the diamond business.
IDMA Secretary-General Ronnie Vanderlinden, delivered a speech on behalf of President Maxim Shkadov who could not attend. He spoke about the difficulties of manufacturers in making a profit and hoped the banking sector would provide financing.

Diamond Producers Association CEO Jean-Marc Lieberherr described the work of the organisation, particularly research into the likes and dislikes of the Millennial generation of 18-35-year-olds. The DPA will be revealing its marketing plans at the JCK Show Las Vegas next month, he explained.
Later, during the Working Session, World Diamond Mark (WDM) Chairman Alex Popov spoke about WDM operations. He said that Authorized Diamond Dealer status has been awarded to 98 stores in 10 countries, and also mentioned the magazine that it publishes, its revamped website and the extra services it provides, and the WDMuseum – Facets of Mankind.
WFDB Executive Director Louise Prior spoke of her work since taking up the position in August 2015, with the aim of growing the WFDB membership and increasing its role as the authoritative voice of the diamond sector.

Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, the President of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, spoke warmly of the strong relations between CIBJO and the WFDB, and the closeness of the two bodies on a range of critical industry issues.

WFDB Presidents unanimously re-elected Ernie Blom as President for a further two-year term, and Israel Diamond Exchange President Yoram Dvash as Vice-President, replacing Julien Drybooms. The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) was accepted as a WFDB member.
The opening day concluded with a Dubai Diamond Finance Seminar, the second of a series held by the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) on financing options and how Dubai’s trade infrastructure and financial institutions can further support the diamond trade. Panelist were: Rajiv Jain, Head United Arab Emirates Diamond & Jewellery Clients, ABN-Amro; Biju Patnaik, Head – Gem & Jewellery Segment, IndusInd Bank Limited; Davy Blommaert, Unit Head for Precious Metals and Diamonds, National Bank of Fujaira and Alain Vandenborre, Executive Chairman & Founder, SDiX.
Pic caption: WFDB President Ernie Blom addressing the World Diamond Congress.