COngress ProgramME
12 July 2026, Sunday
02:00 P.m.
Registration
Marina Bay Sands
03:00 p.m. – 04:00. p.m.
Judicial Committee
04:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m.
Get Together Drink, Registration
13 July 2026, MONDAY
08:00 a.m.
Registration
Marina Bay Sands
08:00 a.m. – 09:15 a.m.
WFDB Promotion Committee and Trade & Business Committee
09:15 a.m. – 10.15 a.m.
Joint Breakfast Meeting hosted by DES
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremony
12:30 a.m. – 01:45 p.m.
Lunch
01:45 p.m. – 02:45 p.m.
African Leadership in the Diamond Pipeline: Building Strong Societies through Diamonds
Panel discussion with Minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo (Botswana), Ahmed Bin Sulayem (DMCC), Kirit Bhansali (GJEPC), moderated by Rob Bates
This panel explores Africa’s growing leadership across the diamond value chain, moving beyond its role as a source of natural diamonds. It highlights how governments, industry leaders, and local stakeholders are advancing transparency, sustainability, and local value creation.
The discussion will also examine how diamonds can drive socio-economic development—supporting jobs, infrastructure, and communities—while addressing challenges such as fair revenue distribution and global market pressures. Overall, the session showcases how Africa is shaping a more responsible and inclusive diamond industry.
03:00 p.m. – 04:00 p.m.
Growth Opportunities in the Asian Market
Panel discussion with Lin Qiang (Shanghai Diamond Exchange), Kent Wong (Chow Tai Fook Jewelry), Lawrence Ma (Diamond Federation of Hong Kong), Anoop Mehta (Bharat Diamond Bourse), moderated by Rob Bates
“Growth Opportunities in The Asian Market” explores Asia’s fast-evolving consumer landscape and its strong growth potential for the diamond and jewelry industry. Focusing on key markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asia, it highlights trends in consumer behavior, branding, retail, and e-commerce.
The discussion will also address cultural and generational shifts shaping demand, as well as strategies for navigating regulatory complexities and building lasting connections with Asian consumers.
04:00 p.m. – 04:30 p.m.
Comfort Break
04:30 p.m. – 06:00 p.m.
WFDB combined Executive Committee Meeting / Working Session + Elections
For all WFDB delegates and WFDB observers
7:30 p.m.
Asian Flower Night
TBC
14 July 2026, TUESDAY
08:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
WFDB Executive Committee Meeting + Working Session
For all WFDB delegates and WFDB observers
Marina Bay Sands
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Comfort Break
10:55 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
Building Natural Diamond Demand Worldwide
Panel discussion with Olivia Landau (The Clear Cut), Amber Pepper (Natural Diamond Council), David Bonaparte (Jewelers of America), James Evans Lombe (US Jewelry Council), Tim Goodman (Get-Diamonds), Moshe Salem (WFDB), moderated by Rob Bates
This panel explores how the industry can strengthen global demand for natural diamonds amid growing competition and changing consumer values.
It will focus on collaboration across the value chain, highlighting strategies in branding, marketing, and storytelling, as well as the impact of sustainability, provenance, and generational shifts on consumer perception.
11:50 a.m. – 12:35 a.m.
The Natural Diamond Experience – A Tale of Nature’s Wonders
By Dr. Wuyi Wang (GIA)
12:45 p.m. – 02:00 p.m.
Lunch
Fireside Chat with Mr Pritesh Patel
(President & CEO, GIA), moderated by Richa Goyal Sikri
02:10 p.m. – 02:55 p.m.
Past, Present and Future, Generational Integration in the Diamond Market
Panel discussion with Brijesh Dholakia (Hari Krishna Exports) Cédric Barsamian (BFE Diamonds), David Troostwyk (London Diamond Bourse), Molefi Letsiki (Molefi Letsiki Diamonds, President Diamond Dealers Club South Africa), moderated by Rob Bates
“Past, Present, and Future: Generational Integration in the Diamond Market” explores how the diamond industry is evolving across generations, from consumer behavior to leadership. It examines how traditional values intersect with the expectations and innovations of younger professionals and buyers.
The discussion will highlight the impact of generational differences on purchasing, branding, and decision-making, offering insights on how to successfully integrate multiple generations for sustainable growth.
03:00 p.m. – 03:45 p.m.
Identifying your Diamonds with AI & Nanoparticles
Panel discussion with Dr. Daniel Nyfler (Gubelin Gem Labs), Janak Mistry (DiaDNA), moderated by Richa Goyal Sikri
03:45 p.m. – 04:15 p.m.
Comfort Break
04:25 p.m. – 05:10 p.m.
The Unsolved Mystery of Color in Diamonds
Panel discussion with Roy Safit (Fancy Diamond Colour Foundation) and Janak Mistry (DiaDNA), moderated by Richa Goyal Sikri
05:15 p.m. – 06:00 p.m.
Geopolitics, Sanctions, Traceability and Import Restrictions
Panel discussion with Alan Cohen (WDC Kimberley Process Task Force), Tom Moses (GIA), Kalpesh Jhaveri (Diamond Club West Coast), moderated by Rob Bates
“Geopolitics, Sanctions, Traceability and Import Restrictions” examines how geopolitical tensions and stricter regulations are reshaping the diamond and jewelry industry, increasing the need for compliance, transparency, and responsible sourcing.
It will explore the impact of sanctions, import restrictions, and traceability requirements on trade and market access, as well as the role of new technologies in strengthening supply chain visibility and consumer trust.
8:00 p.m.
Gala Dinner
TBC
15 July 2026, WEDNESDAY
09:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
WFDB Congress Working Session
For all WFDB delegates and WFDB observers
Marina Bay Sands
10:50 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Comfort Break
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Golconda and Ancient Diamonds – A Historical Perspective
By Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, moderated by Richa Goyal Sikri
12:45 p.m. – 01:45 p.m.
Lunch
02:00 p.m. – 03:00 p.m.
Joint Closing Ceremony Session and Speeches
(open to all)
03:00 p.m. – 03:45 p.m.
Press Conference
(open to all)