Antwerp: The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) is preparing for the 37th World Diamond Congress, the biennial meeting of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), which will take place in Dubai from May 16 to 19.

WFDB President Ernie Blom says the key themes of the meeting will be transparency, responsibility and sustainability which will be discussed by the WFDB’s 30 presidents and more than 200 representatives of the global diamond industry who are expected to attend. These include producers, diamond-mining countries and a range of service organizations, such as banks and labs.

“The World Diamond Congress is one of the most important gatherings of the global diamond trade,” said Blom. “It provides an opportunity for all the bourse presidents to present their views regarding critical issues that are on the industry’s agenda. We will also hear the opinions of stakeholders involved in different areas of the diamond pipeline– from mining firms and governments to leading banks and labs.

“Given the challenging conditions facing the diamond business, this year’s meetings will be all the more important. We will be discussing how to create sustainable, long-term growth in the diamond supply pipeline, while bearing in mind the need for transparency, the highest levels of ethical behaviour and corporate social responsibility.

“We also want to advance across-the-board support for generic marketing of diamonds via the WFDB’s World Diamond Mark initiative and to create stronger links with the Diamond Producers Association, and how to increase the diamond jewellery sector’s competitive position and share of the luxury consumer market. I urge all members of the diamond industry to register for this event as we continue to advance preparations for what I am sure will be an interesting, challenging and enjoyable event at the Almas Tower hosted by the Dubai Diamond Exchange,” Blom added.