Doha is poised to become the global diamond and gemstone industry’s epicenter with the highly anticipated Doha International Diamond & Gemstone Conference (DIDGC) 2025. This historic event, which brings together leaders, innovators, and stakeholders, will pave the road for the industry’s future by encouraging collaboration, integration, and innovation throughout the value chain.
The conference’s subject, “The New Connection,” will highlight the critical need to adapt to changing customer expectations, sustainability needs, and cutting-edge technologies. Over three transformative days, DIDGC will host high-impact debates on transparency, category marketing, traceability, and sustainability.
This conference is poised to redefine the diamond and gemstone industries’ narrative, shifting away from old practices and toward a more holistic, value-driven strategy.
Opening Session: Perspectives from Global Leaders.
The conference will begin with opening remarks by distinguished leaders such as H.E. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism; H.E. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC; Edward Asscher, Vice President of Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC); Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC (India); and Feriel Zerouki, President of World Diamond Council (WDC). These distinguished speakers will set the tone for the conference, providing their insights on the diamond and gemstone industry’s changing landscape.
Inside the Diamond Trade, with Paul Rowley
A deep dive into the world of diamond mining and commerce with De Beers’ Vice President of Global Sightholder Sales, Paul Rowley, a 40-year industry veteran. This seminar, moderated by Richard Chetwode, Managing Director at RCC Diamond Consultants, will offer unique insights into the diamond trade’s difficulties and prospects.
Promoting Collaboration in the Diamond and Gemstone Sectors
This discussion, moderated by Richard Chetwode, Managing Director of RCC Diamond Consultants, will discuss industry-wide partnership initiatives. Panelists include Yamkela Makupula, CEO of SADPO, advocating for artisanal miners; Paul Rowley, EVP at De Beers, emphasizing upstream and downstream collaboration; H.E. Kizito Pakabomba, Minister of Mines of the DRC, highlighting the country’s global supply chain role; Naseem Banu Lahri, Managing Director of Lucara Diamond, showcasing Botswana’s innovation; Emile Ekonda-Elasha, Founder of COOMIAP, empowering local mining communities; and Ronnie VanderLinden, President
Colored Gemstones and Pearls: New Horizons
This discussion, moderated by Richa Goyal Sikri, an author and gemstone specialist, will discuss mining, marketing, and transformative projects in the gemstone and pearl sectors. Speakers include Dev Shetty, CEO of Gaston International, who will address the future of gemstone investments; Elena Basaglia, Head of Partnerships at Gemfields, who will focus on sustainable mining; and Rashmi Sharma of Jewel of Africa, who will speak about African gemstone value addition.
The Technical Advantage in Diamond and Gemstone Marketing
This discussion, moderated by Margot Stuart, Co-Founder of OriginAll Luxury, will look at how cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and laser inscription are altering the luxury sector. Bernold Richerzhagen, Founder of Synova, will speak about advanced inscription techniques; Pritesh Patel, SVP & COO at GIA, will speak about AI-driven insights; Bruno Scarselli, Founder of authentia.io, will speak about blockchain for provenance; Klemens Link, Director of Provenance Proof, will speak about traceability innovations; and Hans Schwab, CEO of OriginAll Luxury, will speak about merging technology and luxury branding.
Adding Value to Diamonds and Gemstones: Engaging Consumers
This event, moderated by Frank Mueller, Founder of The Bridge to Luxury, will discuss techniques for increasing the global appeal of diamonds and gemstones. David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, will address effective category marketing, while Katerina Perez, a jewellery journalist and consultant, will focus on the art of narrative in branding. Francesco Tombolini, a seasoned luxury industry consultant, will discuss how to use global luxury methods, while Richard Chetwode, an independent mining and diamond market expert, will deliver actionable marketing ideas to keep consumers engaged.
From Mines to Markets: Leading an ESG Revolution
This panel, moderated by Alex Popov, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, will discuss ESG issues and potential throughout the supply chain. Kinjal Shah of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) will explain worldwide ESG standards, while Rashmi Sharma of Jewel of Africa will focus on sustainability in gemstone mining. Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council, will discuss ESG benchmarks, while Yamkela Makupula, CEO of SADPO, will address inclusion in artisanal mining. Pritesh Patel, SVP at GIA, will discuss responsible sourcing, while Margot Stuart, Co-Founder of OriginAll Luxury, will give insights on ESG innovation in luxury branding.
Special Highlights
Heenat Salma Farm in Al Shaniya will provide attendees with an opportunity to explore Qatari desert culture through cuisine tastings, workshops, and cultural demonstrations. The event will wrap up with The Morning After Show, a reflective session in which speakers, moderators, and attendees will review significant debates and identify concrete next actions for the industry’s future.
Why should I attend the DIDGC 2025?
The DIDGC 2025 is a comprehensive, forward-thinking event that reflects the dynamic realities of a quickly changing market. Here’s why you can’t miss this conference.
· World-renowned speakers, including governments, CEOs, and thought leaders, will address innovative solutions to transform the diamond and gemstone supply chain.
The conference offers insightful panels and discussions on themes such as advanced traceability technology, marketing techniques inspired by luxury sectors, and the impact of ESG on the industry.
· Explore Qatar’s Role as a Global Luxury Hub: The event will highlight Qatar’s expanding prominence in the diamond and gemstone sector, set against the backdrop of Doha’s rising luxury destination status.
· Global Networking: Meet policymakers, luxury retailers, mining executives, and sustainability campaigners.
· Immerse in Qatari Culture: Experience the country’s rich heritage through selected cultural activities, workshops, and networking dinners that highlight tradition and innovation.
A global platform for change.
As the diamond and gemstone industries are under increasing pressure to conform with sustainability goals and consumer expectations, the DIDGC 2025 is a call to action for all stakeholders to rethink their roles.
From strategic insights to actionable solutions, the conference is the must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of diamonds and gemstones.