Next KP Chair - US, Brazil or Japan?

Guest Memo by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chair of the Kimberley Process, executive chairman and CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE).

As conversation around the next KP Chair gathers momentum, I outline who I consider the potential front-runners for succeeding the UAE in 2026/27. 

As recently stated in my piece on CNBC Africa, which highlighted its significant accomplishments, both in mission and multi-stakeholder cooperation, the Kimberley Process (KP) remains a unique alliance that has successfully bonded governments, industry, and civil society in a shared commitment to eradicate conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. As the selection of the next KP chair and vice chair approaches, identifying a nation that embodies the KP's core principles and can navigate its future challenges is not only of paramount importance, but essential to its successful continuity.

At a high level, the KP chair demands proactive leadership, diplomatic skill, and a dedication to the Process's objectives, while also playing a crucial role in setting the agenda, facilitating discussions, and building consensus among stakeholders. As such, I have identified three primary nations, and a further three contenders I believe are most aligned with the KP's ongoing objectives, and that are equipped with the right leadership, culture and acumen to continue its efficacy.

The United States: Economic Clout with a Focus on Efficiency

The United States holds a position of significant economic influence within the diamond industry. As the world's largest diamond jewellery consumer market, U.S. consumers purchased nearly USD 48 billion in diamond jewellery in 2022, accounting for over 54 per cent of global sales. This substantial retail demand drives the entire value chain, from mining to polishing and while the U.S. has virtually no domestic rough diamond mining, it is a major trading centre for polished stones and a key transit point for some rough diamonds. As a key player, it also remains home to one of the most established jewellery retail ecosystems, including New York's diamond district and many industry-leading brands.

During its 2012 chair, the United States introduced the Washington Declaration, a milestone that emphasised the importance of integrating development goals into the KP - particularly in support of artisanal miners. As a result, it reflected a forward-thinking vision that recognised the KP's potential, not just as a regulatory mechanism, but as a driver of social and economic progress.

With new leadership in Washington, driven by an emphasis on enhancing efficiency, the United States is well-positioned to build on that legacy, with a renewed U.S. chair reinforcing its commitment to transparency, fairness, and ethical sourcing, while bringing the energy and direction needed to guide the KP through its next phase of evolution.

Brazil: South America's Powerhouse

Brazil plays a unique role as a diamond producer in the Americas, and while its modern production is smaller, it remains an important mid-tier producer with the potential for growth. In 2023, the country produced approximately 78,000 carats of rough diamonds, valued at USD 24.9 million and while Brazil's diamonds originate mainly from alluvial and artisanal mines, the country also has a growing jewellery industry, and is the largest luxury goods market in Latin America.  

While not a key reason, Brazil is the only BRICS nation that has not yet chaired the Kimberley Process, despite being a participant since its inception in 2003. As such, chairing the KP in 2026 would provide the country with an opportunity to elevate its profile, while strengthening its domestic diamond industry value chain.  

Diplomatically, Brazil leading the KP would reinforce its aspirations for greater global leadership, while helping to bridge the perspectives of both producing and consuming nations. Brazil's leadership could also synergise with BRICS efforts on commodities and development, while sharing the challenges and perspectives with African diamond-producing countries, particularly regarding artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

Japan: A Resilient, Top Four, Global Economy

Japan, while not a diamond producer, is a significant player in the diamond value chain, particularly in high-value manufacturing. As such, the nation's diamond jewellery market was worth approximately USD 4.7 billion in 2022, representing roughly 5-6 per cent of global sales. Additionally, Japanese consumers are known for their preference for quality and craftsmanship, with bridal diamond jewellery deeply ingrained in its culture.  

If Japan were to chair the Kimberley Process in 2026, it would be the first East Asian country outside of China to take the lead, offering a fresh perspective, while its technological expertise could support the improvement of processes and security.

Other Contenders from Europe, Asia and Africa

While not a member of the European Union, Norway has enjoyed an ongoing relationship with the trading block through its agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). Equipped with a strong reputation for transparency, ethical governance, and the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, Norway is well positioned to bring a high level of credibility to the KP Chair. While not a major player in diamond mining or trade, Norway's expertise in resource management, derived from its significant oil & gas sector, could offer valuable insights into establishing robust regulatory frameworks and ensuring responsible practices within the diamond industry.

Similarly, with a highly efficient economy, technological prowess, and a clinical approach towards regulation, Singapore's strategic position as a global trade hub could also add significant benefits - most notably by catalysing the UAE's efforts to modernise the KP by enhancing traceability and supply chain transparency.

As the only diamond-producing nation from this group, Sierra Leone not only possesses firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities within the KP system, but remains a staunch advocate for both artisanal miners and women within mining communities. As a result, its leadership could bring a renewed focus on the needs of developing countries and artisanal mining communities, ensuring that the KP effectively contributes to sustainable development and poverty reduction in diamond-producing regions.

A Shared Future, a Shared Responsibility

The Kimberley Process has come a long way since its creation over two decades ago, but it cannot move forward without strong, diverse leadership. The coming years will require reform, innovation, and a renewed focus on the communities that depend on diamonds for their survival.

The United States, Brazil, and Japan each have something powerful to contribute, namely consumer leadership, producer insight, and technological vision, while the three other shortlisted nations also bring at least two fundamentally important elements that will support the KP's long-term mission. What unites them is their ability to elevate the KP in ways that benefit not just the diamond trade, but the people behind it. As such, I encourage each of these nations to step forward - not for prestige, but for purpose. Let 2026 be the year that new leadership meets old responsibility, and one that continues to uphold the Kimberley Process, and the millions that depend on it.