The World Diamond Council (WDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening confidence in natural diamonds as incoming President Ronnie VanderLinden called on the global industry to unite behind a single, consistent message supporting the natural diamond trade during the WDC Annual General Meeting held in Antwerp, Belgium on May 7, 2026.
Quick Summary
- Ronnie VanderLinden officially became the incoming President of the World Diamond Council.
- The WDC AGM 2026 took place in Antwerp, Belgium.
- VanderLinden stressed the importance of unified messaging for natural diamonds.
- He highlighted the need to demonstrate the social and economic impact of natural diamonds in producing countries.
- The Kimberley Process remains central to building confidence in natural diamonds.
- Anoop Mehta was appointed Vice President of the WDC.
- Feriel Zerouki was named Honorary WDC President.
WDC Focuses on Strengthening the Natural Diamond Trade
‘We must speak with one voice for natural diamonds,’ said the new WDC President, who succeeded Feriel Zerouki at the WDC Annual General
Annual General Meeting Held in Antwerp
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.
Leadership Transition at the WDC
He was speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the WDC, which took place May 7, 2026, in Antwerp, Belgium.
Industry Challenges and Need for Alignment
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.
Call for a Unified Voice for Natural Diamonds
“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.”
A Direct Approach to Industry Messaging
His approach is direct.
Defining the Message Around Natural Diamonds
The industry must align behind one clear message on what natural diamonds are and why they matter.
Demonstrating Impact in Producing Countries
That message needs to be demonstrated by the role natural diamonds play in producing countries.
Removing Trade Obstacles
And the World Diamond Council must clear a path for the trade, removing the obstacles that make it harder to operate and compete.
Building the Case for 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.”
Leadership Recognition at the AGM
Incoming WDC President Ronnie VanderLinden (left) and the outgoing president, Feriel Zerouki, who was appointed Honorary WDC President at the 2026 Annual General Meeting in Antwerp on May 7, 2026.
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.
Updating the Conflict Diamond Definition
“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 Vice President Appointment
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.”
Importance of Industry Leadership
“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 Leadership 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 Industry 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.”
FAQs
What did Ronnie VanderLinden say about the natural diamond trade?
Ronnie VanderLinden said the global natural diamond industry must “speak with one voice” and focus on building confidence in natural diamonds.
Where was the 2026 WDC AGM held?
The World Diamond Council Annual General Meeting 2026 was held in Antwerp, Belgium.
What is the role of the Kimberley Process according to WDC?
The Kimberley Process is viewed as a key mechanism for strengthening confidence and transparency in natural diamonds.
Who was appointed Vice President of the WDC?
Anoop Mehta was appointed as the new Vice President of the World Diamond Council.
Who was named Honorary WDC President?
Feriel Zerouki was elected as Honorary WDC President during the 2026 AGM.
What challenges did VanderLinden mention for the diamond industry?
He referred to weaker demand, increased competition, and fragmented messaging within the industry.
Source: SVAR Media Network
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