Incoming World Diamond Council President Ronnie VanderLinden has called for stronger industry unity and clearer messaging around natural diamonds, positioning the WDC as “a champion for the natural diamond trade” during the organization’s Annual General Meeting held in Antwerp, Belgium.
Quick Summary
- Ronnie VanderLinden became the incoming President of the World Diamond Council.
- He called for unified global messaging in support of natural diamonds.
- The WDC AGM took place on May 7, 2026, in Antwerp, Belgium.
- VanderLinden emphasized building confidence in natural diamonds through transparency and impact in producing countries.
- He reaffirmed the importance of updating the Kimberley Process conflict diamond definition.
- Anoop Mehta was appointed Vice President of the WDC.
- David Bonaparte was elected Treasurer and Udi Sheintal was re-elected Secretary.
- Feriel Zerouki was named Honorary WDC President.
Industry Leadership Focuses on Natural Diamonds
‘We must speak with one voice for natural diamonds,’ said the new WDC President, who succeeded Feriel Zerouki at the WDC Annual General Meeting in Antwerp, Belgium.
The World Diamond Council is a champion for the natural diamond trade, with the primary objective of building confidence in natural diamonds and helping the trade sell them, according to its incoming President Ronnie VanderLinden.
WDC AGM Held in Antwerp
He was speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the WDC, which took place May 7, 2026, in Antwerp, Belgium.
Industry Facing Demand and Competition Challenges
Taking office at a time of weaker demand, increased competition and fragmented messaging, VanderLinden said the industry must align behind a clear and consistent position.
“We are here for one reason. To be a champion for the natural diamond trade,” he said. “We must speak with one voice for natural diamonds. If we are not helping sell natural diamonds in a meaningful way, we are not doing our job.”
Clear Messaging for Natural Diamonds
His approach is direct.
The industry must align behind one clear message on what natural diamonds are and why they matter.
That message needs to be demonstrated by the role natural diamonds play in producing countries.
And the World Diamond Council must clear a path for the trade, removing the obstacles that make it harder to operate and compete.
Strengthening Confidence in Natural Diamonds
“The case for natural diamonds is strong,” VanderLinden said. “But it has to be demonstrated. Where they come from, how they move through the pipeline and what they do in producing countries is the evidence we need to show.”
Kimberley Process Remains Central
He also reaffirmed the central role of the Kimberley Process, positioning it as a mechanism to support confidence in natural diamonds.
“We will continue the work to update the conflict diamond definition, so it reflects the reality of today’s risks and strengthens confidence in natural diamonds,” he said. “Feriel Zerouki and the team brought this issue to the forefront. That work matters. We now must finish the job.”
New Leadership Team at WDC
VanderLinden will serve alongside newly appointed Vice President Anoop Mehta, whom he described as “a pillar of both the Indian and global natural diamond trade.”
“I could not ask for a better second in command,” VanderLinden said. “Anoop’s experience, leadership and deep connections across the industry will be extremely important as we continue this work together.”
Additional WDC Appointments
During the AGM, David Bonaparte was elected as WDC Treasurer, and Udi Sheintal was re-elected as WDC Secretary. As a special gesture proposed by the new president, Feriel Zerouki was elected as Honorary WDC President.
Measuring Success Through Trade Impact
“This presidency will be judged in a very simple way,” VanderLinden added. “Not by what we say in meetings, but by what happens in the trade.”
FAQ
Who is Ronnie VanderLinden?
Ronnie VanderLinden is the President of the World Diamond Council.
What did Ronnie VanderLinden say at the Kimberley Process Meeting?
He called for unity across the natural diamond trade and urged the industry to speak with “one voice.”
Where was the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting held?
The meeting was held in Mumbai, India.
What is India’s 3Cs Vision?
India’s 3Cs Vision stands for Confidence, Credibility and Compliance, aimed at strengthening the Kimberley Process.
Why is transparency important in the natural diamond trade?
Transparency helps build consumer confidence around the origin, value and authenticity of natural diamonds.
Source: SVAR Media Network
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