The council passed resolutions for an improved responsible supply chain and enhanced self-regulation within the SoW guidelines.

It was decided a board-instructed strategic planning committee would develop a member's toolkit to help implement guidelines that respect the realities and practicalities of the diamond supply chain. 

"These guidelines will introduce the strongest level of adherence to date for SoW statement users, requiring adherence to universally accepted principles on human and labour rights, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering in support of mandatory Kimberley Process certification scheme (KPCS) implementation and including the inclusion of OECD due diligence guidelines," the WDC said.

The changes will be applied on an ongoing basis and be included in the upcoming 2021-2025 WDC strategic plan. 

Board members also re-affirmed their commitment to KP reform and agreed to push forward on an expanded definition of conflict diamonds to address security and environmental concerns.

At the AGM, the WDC also appointed Edward Asscher as vice president, and re-elected Ronnie Vanderlinden as treasurer and Udi Sheintal as secretary-general.

The council will meet again at the KP Plenary in November where members will discuss and vote on a permanent secretariat and a stronger peer review mechanism.