Natural Diamonds Get a Global Boost From Beijing Declaration

By Karen Dybis | September 16, 2026

In a bid to gain more long-term customers for natural diamonds in China, De Beers Group and its collaborators on Wednesday announced the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Natural Diamonds and Sustainable Development.

Known as the Beijing Declaration, the agreement, said De Beers, includes the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE); governments in the key diamond-producing countries of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa; and members of the Chinese and international diamond industries.

De Beers CEO Al Cook, Natural Diamond Council CEO Amber Pepper, and World Diamond Council representative Emma Wade-Smith witnessed the signing event, which took place Tuesday in Beijing.

Major Chinese jewelry retail brands including Chow Tai Fook, Lao Feng Xiang, Chow Sang Sang, Lukfook Jewellery, CHJ Jewellery, Chow Tai Seng, Sino Gem, and Kimberlite attended the signing ceremony.

De Beers China meeting — *Delegates from China, Chinese retailers, De Beers, the Natural Diamond Council, and the governments of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa attended the meeting for the Beijing Declaration.*

“The Beijing Declaration recognizes the global nature of the diamond industry and acknowledges the connection from the positive socioeconomic impact felt in diamond-producing countries to China’s consumers of diamond jewelry, who are increasingly looking for authenticity and individuality in their jewelry choices,” said a release from De Beers.

The declaration has several goals, which include:

• Providing Chinese consumers with information on the “positive impacts” of natural diamonds on diamond-producing nations, as well as supporting them with skills training and economic diversification
• Creating a shared vision for advancing sustainable development of the natural diamond industry
• Deepening exchange and cooperation across the natural diamond value chain

In the future, added the statement, these organizations will support one another by promoting the exchange of industry market data, offering consumer-facing educational programs on natural diamonds, and exploring additional opportunities to collaborate.

In a LinkedIn statement, Cook called China “a vital diamond market” hit hard by falling marriage rates. Creating a collaborative environment between China and the governments of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa is key to creating well-paying jobs, increasing their tax revenue, and protecting their wildlife, he said.

“In exactly a year, the China-Africa Forum (FOCAC) takes place, bringing heads of state together. Ahead of that deadline, we will all work together to create new diamond desire, stronger trade relationships, and benefit for all four countries,” Cook said.

FOCAC stands for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which started in 2000 and plans to meet again in 2027 in the Republic of the Congo.

Cook and De Beers previously have said China is the fastest-growing market for diamond-jewelry demand in recent decades and “it is vital that we understand and respond to the needs of our Chinese customers.”

H.E. Prof. Lekoko S. Kenosi, ambassador of Botswana to the People’s Republic of China, said his nation sees diamonds as a resource for national development, so the Beijing Declaration is a significant moment.

Beijing signing — *Representatives from China, De Beers Group, and African diamond-producing countries were among those attending the signing of the Beijing Declaration.*

“We do not ask consumers to bear responsibility for our development, but we urge that this full human story of origin be made visible through informed consumer understanding. The signing of the Beijing Declaration opens a promising new chapter for our bilateral ties, enabling diamonds to serve as a bridge of shared progress between our peoples,” Kenosi said.

In the statement, SDE president Lin Qiang said he sees his organization’s role as a “platform and bridge” between China and leading African diamond-producing countries: “As China continues its evolution as a major player in the global diamond industry, we are thrilled to lay important foundations for enhanced collaboration between China and African diamond-producing nations. Today represents a meaningful new beginning: for closer connections, deeper mutual understanding, and expanded partnerships.”

Top: Natural Diamond Council CEO Amber Pepper, who has been traveling globally to boost the NDC’s visibility and funding, attended the Beijing Declaration meetings and signing. (Photos courtesy of De Beers)