Third-generation diamantaire Stéphane Fischler played a major role in creating a supply chain of conflict-free diamonds, being actively involved in events that subsequently led to the creation of the Kimberley Process (KP) forum to eliminate “conflict diamonds” from the global trade as well as the World Diamond Council (WDC), the industry’s representative in the KP.

In 1999, he was in contact with Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Robert Fowler. Their initial meeting took place in Antwerp, followed by another meeting at the UN headquarters in New York. The industry proposed a certification system that became the KP and established WDC in 2000 in Antwerp in the presence of Ambassador Fowler and international dignitaries. 

Fischler was elected WDC chairman in 2017 and served in that capacity until May 2020. Throughout his term, he took up the cudgels for mining communities by working towards KP reform and striving to expand the scope and definition of “conflict diamonds.”

“KP has made a well-known and important contribution to conflict prevention and resolution,” he observed. “One of its most hidden contributions is ongoing dialogue within the whole diamond supply chain. Though slow, the process has produced very beneficial changes on the ground. This is a critical asset that must be preserved and continuously encouraged.” 

Fischler is currently the chairman of the CIBJO Technological Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees at RESOLVE-Washington DC where he continues to be involved in the KP through the Diamond Development Initiative@RESOLVE. He has also served as chairman of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre for three terms, secretary-general/treasurer of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association and chair of the International Diamond Council.
 

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