Dear colleagues and friends,

As we report in the accompanying article, over a seven-month period, 13 additional companies joined the World Diamond Council’s ranks as members. This represents a 24 percent increase in our membership, and it is the largest number ever to be registered in such a short period – indeed, since the reconstitution of our organization in 2014.

In fact, 18 new members have joined the WDC since January, increasing membership by 49 percent from 37 to 55 in just nine months. And that, in and of itself, is a misleading figure, because among the individual participants are most of the diamond and jewelry industry’s largest representative associations, who themselves represent hundreds and sometimes thousands of members. As a consequence, we can fairly state today that we are the world’s most representative diamond organization. And we are growing.

What is particularly gratifying is that our newest members cover almost the full spectrum of our industry – geographically, size-wise and where they operate in the chain of distribution. They include one of the world’s rough diamond suppliers, rough and polished diamond dealers, fancy-color diamond specialists, suppliers to the major luxury brands and to mom-and-pop operations, jewelry manufacturers, consultants and service providers. They operate in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.

But what strengthens my sense of optimism, both in the future of the WDC, and more generally in our sector, are the amount of young industry leaders joining the WDC. It is imperative for us, and for any organizations for that matter to engage the movers and shakers of tomorrow. It is our responsibility to guide and shape them whilst being open to their points of view. Their range of perspectives, and different ethnic and geographical backgrounds bring the much-needed diversity I have long advocated for.  For it provides us the ability to co-create, and that is a prerequisite for inclusivity.

Choosing to become a member of the WDC is an altruistic act, which stems from a belief that, as an industry, we have a collective responsibility to operate with integrity and compassion, and leadership is required to serve that standard. It is what I see when I engage with the next generation.

The WDC membership is not just a mark of pride and a show of commitment to an ethically responsible supply chain. It also embodies a readiness to actively promote the principles we represent in the industry and in the countries where we function. The WDC is essentially the first line of defense of the natural diamond industry.

I am delighted to welcome each and every one of our new members, and I encourage them all to exercise their new status in the most active way possible.

The WDC champions the principle of leaving no one behind which means embracing the future together and ensuring that every part of our industry, and especially those leaders who will steer it in the future, are included in each and every step we take.