The 37th World Diamond Congress of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) gets underway today in Dubai. The Congress, which is a biennial event, is scheduled to take place from May 16th to 19th.

The WFDB announcing the schedule for the Congress said that the first day will be devoted to meetings of the WFDB's major committees: the Judicial, Trade and Business, Promotion, and the Executive Committee.

The official opening session of the Congress slated for May 17th, will have WFDB President Ernie Blom, IDMA President Maxim Shkadov, Dubai Diamond Exchange Chairman Peter Meeus, and Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Chair of the Kimberley Process, Ahmed Bin Sulayem addressing the delegates attending the Congress.

“The keynote speech will be given by Geshe Michael Roach, while guest speakers will be Diamond Producers Association CEO Jean-Marc Lieberherr and World Diamond Mark Foundation Chairman Alex Popov,” WFDB said. “The day ends with a UAE Banking Seminar hosted by Peter Meeus with the participation of Dubai-based bankers.”  Working sessions will be held by the WFDB in the afternoon of that day.

The next day will feature an important session on financing for the global diamond and jewellery industry as well as the need for financial transparency. After the speeches a panel discussion is planned. Included on the panel are Howard Davies and Feriel Zerouki of De Beers; David Bouffard from Signet Jewelers Ltd; and Mahesh Khemlani, President of the Panama Diamond Exchange.

This will be followed with working sessions of the WFDB and IDMA before the Congress Gala Dinner.

The final day of the Congress will feature an important panel session entitled 'Transparency, Responsibility, Sustainability in Producing Countries' featuring several guest panellists, WFDB announced. 

At the end of the Congress Ernie Blom, Maxim Shkadov and Peter Meeus will address a press conference summarising the major takeaways from the Congress and will answer questions from the media.

"After many months of meetings and consultations, the World Diamond Congress is almost upon us," said Blom in a press statement released yesterday, on the eve of the Congress opening. "This will be a critical meeting because we have many important issues to discuss. We are also excited by the new format of this Congress which will feature panel sessions for the first time. I believe this will be an excellent innovation because it will ensure widespread audience participation. I am looking forward to a successful Congress and meeting up again with all the WFDB and IDMA presidents, as well as the many guest speakers, panellists and attendees from across the diamond pipeline."