Antwerp: The heads of the jewellery and diamond industry’s four leading international representative bodies have agreed on Tuesday to establish “The Presidents Forum,” which is a joint consultative committee with its members being the presidents of each organization. Together they will discuss and formulate coordinated strategies and policies for the industry on important issues of common interest.

Hosted by Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, yesterday’s meeting included Ernest Blom, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB); Maxim Shkadov, President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA); and Edward Asscher, President of the World Diamond Council (WDC). The meeting was chaired by Eli Izhakoff, Hon. Life President of CIBJO, WFDB and WDC.

Following the meeting, The Presidents Forum issued the following statement:

“As the elected presidents of international organizations, each of which counts among its members the key national organizations and leading commercial bodies in their respective fields, we collectively represent the rank and file of the diamond, gemstone and jewellery industry worldwide.”

“The objective of The Presidents Forum is to reflect the interests of all participants and stakeholders in the industry through discussion and coordination.”

“Among our first order of business the presidents of CIBJO, WFDB and IDMA will engage with the Precious Stones Multi-Stakeholder Working Group to discuss the creation of acceptable due diligence guidelines to defend the integrity of the supply chain. The President of the WDC will be consulted.”

The Presidents Forum’s inaugural meeting was held against the backdrop of the 36th World Diamond Congress, which is currently taking place in Antwerp.