The 41st World Diamond Congress officially commenced in Singapore, bringing together leading representatives of the global diamond industry, government officials, and international delegates. The opening ceremony highlighted the industry’s shared commitment to strengthening consumer confidence, promoting natural diamonds, fostering innovation, and building stronger global partnerships for the future.
Quick Summary
- The 41st World Diamond Congress opened in Singapore on July 13, 2026.
- Fabio Cascapera welcomed delegates and reflected on the industry’s evolution since 1988.
- WFDB President Yoram Dvash praised Singapore’s successful hosting of the global event.
- IDMA President Ronnie VanderLinden emphasized rebuilding consumer desire for natural diamonds.
- Botswana and Angola encouraged global investment in their diamond sectors.
- Botswana’s Minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo highlighted the importance of storytelling, transparency, and authenticity for the future of natural diamonds.
41st World Diamond Congress Kicks Off in Singapore
With almost every seat taken in the Atrium Ballroom of Singapore’s Park Collection Hotel in City Island’s Marina Bay district, the 41st World Diamond Congress kicked off on July 13.
Welcome Address by Fabio Cascapera
In his welcome speech, Fabio Cascapera, Chair of the Congress Organising Committee and President of the Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES), noted that since the 24th World Diamond Congress was held in Singapore in 1988, our industry had gone through lots of tribulations and changes.
“At that time, I was a young man, full of confidence about the future of our wonderful industry,” Cascapera recalled. [Photo 164] “While I am not that young anymore today, and certainly not as light on my feet, I am still passionate about diamonds and thankful for what diamonds have done for all of us here.” He urged the industry’s young generation to continue and embrace that passion and take our industry and trade into a shining future. “Don’t let anyone discourage you,” he said.
WFDB President Commends Singapore’s Efforts
The outgoing President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), Yoram Dvash, thanked and complimented Cascapera, DES, and the organisers for pulling off what many thought to be an impossible task in these challenging times and circumstances. “Who thought that such a small bourse could stage such a great and magnificent event!” Dvash marveled. [Photo 202]
IDMA Highlights Consumer Demand
Ronnie VanderLinden, President of the International Diamond Manufacturing Association (IDMA) and President of the World Diamond Council, while sharing similar sentiments, emphasized Singapore’s special place on the industry’s roadmap. “Known as a global crossroads, Singapore perfectly mirrors the spirit of our industry, a place where brilliance, precision, and global connection come together,” he said.
Reigniting Desire for Natural Diamonds
In his address, IDMA’s President focused on the industry’s chief task: to reignite consumer desire for diamonds.
“Over the past twenty years our industry has worked incredibly hard. We have improved standards. We have strengthened consumer confidence. We have invested in technology. We have done important work to protect the integrity of our product. And we should be proud of that.
But let’s be honest with ourselves. Somewhere along the way, we forgot how to create desire.
We became focused on explaining natural diamonds. We became focused on defending natural diamonds. We became focused on proving what natural diamonds are. What we stopped doing was making people want them. That is the challenge. Not because there is anything wrong with the product. There isn’t. Natural diamonds remain one of the most extraordinary products in the world. The challenge is that we stopped telling the story in a way that creates desire.”
African Ministers Invite Global Investment
Two governmental dignitaries of African diamond-producing nations also addressed the 30o or so delegates, observers, and guests at the opening ceremony. Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana,Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, and Angola’s Secretary of State for Mining, Jânio da Rosa Corrêa Victor. Both speakers urged the delegates to come, visit, and invest in their countries’ diamond industry.
Botswana Calls for a Stronger Diamond Story
In her speech, Kenewendo addressed the need to tell the consumer the diamond story
“We must not lose sight of the larger question confronting our industry. The question is not whether natural diamonds can survive. They will. The question is whether they will continue to occupy a meaningful place in the hearts and minds of future generations.
The answer to that question depends on us.
It depends on whether we are willing to tell our story with confidence. It depends on whether we embrace transparency rather than fear it. It depends on whether we recognise that today’s consumers are not simply purchasing products; they are choosing identities, values and narratives. And it depends on whether we can demonstrate that natural diamonds continue to represent something that is authentic, enduring and meaningful in a rapidly changing world.
I remain optimistic. I remain optimistic because the natural diamond industry possesses something that many industries spend years trying to create and can never fully achieve. We possess authenticity. We possess history. We possess a product whose story spans billions of years and whose impact has transformed lives across generations.
Most importantly, we possess a story that remains unfinished. The next chapter of the natural diamond story will not be written by geology alone. It will be written by leadership. It will be written by innovation. It will be written by partnership. And it will be written by our collective ability to ensure that future generations understand not only what natural diamonds are, but what they mean!” she said.
FAQs
What is the World Diamond Congress?
The World Diamond Congress is a global gathering of the diamond industry’s leading organizations, representatives, and stakeholders to discuss key issues, trade, and the future of the natural diamond sector.
Where is the 41st World Diamond Congress being held?
The 41st World Diamond Congress is being held in Singapore at the Park Collection Hotel in Marina Bay.
What was the main theme of the opening ceremony?
A key focus was reigniting consumer desire for natural diamonds through stronger storytelling, innovation, transparency, and collaboration.
Which organizations participated in the event?
The event featured leaders from the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), World Diamond Council, Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES), and government representatives from Botswana and Angola.
Why were African ministers present at the Congress?
Representatives from Botswana and Angola highlighted investment opportunities in their diamond industries and encouraged international partnerships.
What message did Botswana’s Minister emphasize?
She stressed that the future of natural diamonds depends on authentic storytelling, transparency, leadership, innovation, and ensuring future generations understand the value and meaning of natural diamonds.
Source: SVAR Media Network
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