Suva, Fiji – 18 May 2026 – Madam Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), Ms. Leticia Carvalho, was welcomed by the The Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, in a traditional and official ceremony held in Suva, Fiji, on Monday morning, 18 May 2026.
The ceremony opened with an official blessing and the traditional preparation of Kava, which was followed by Prime Minister Rabuka’s offering of words of welcome, encouragement, and guidance toward the continued relationship between the Government of Fiji and the ISA. Secretary-General Carvalho stated that as this is her first official visit to the Pacific, she wanted to emphasize the importance of the Pacific Small Island Developing States alliance.
Madam Secretary-General Carvalho addressed the gathering by expressing her gratitude for the reception and reflecting on Fiji’s critical place in the history of international ocean governance. She acknowledged Fiji’s contributions to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the legacies of distinguished Fijian leaders who have helped shaped the modern law of the sea. Speaking of the ceremony itself, she said, “The Government of the Republic of Fiji and its people have made her, and the ISA staff feel at home,” further noting that the welcome is “a reminder that in the Pacific, relationships, respect, and community remain at the heart of cooperation and partnership.”
On the work ahead, Madam Secretary-General Carvalho emphasized her commitment to ISA’s mission, stating her dedication to, “ensuring that ISA remains a neutral, credible, transparent, science-based, and trusted institution.” She extended a personal invitation to Fiji and Pacific partners to continue working closely with the Authority toward a careful and responsible conclusion of the Mining Code, where “the perspectives, experience, wisdom, and leadership of Pacific States remain essential” to that process.
Following private conversations between Madam Secretary-General Carvalho and the Prime Minister Rabuka, the traditional welcome continued in a formal ceremony attended by Chiefs, Ministers, Ambassadors to Fiji, and distinguished guests. The ceremony included the preparation of the ceremonial Kava drink and the presentation of the salusalu, a traditional garland that reflects the natural beauty, colour, and warmth of Fijian culture.
Secretary-General Carvalho was accompanied by Mr. Akuila Tawake, Chief of Compliance Assurance and Regulatory Management; Mr. Aleksei Shapoval, Senior Policy Officer, Mineral Resources and Economic Development; Ms. Asenaca Navoti, Associate Liaison Officer; Ms. Nuklan Hugh, Learning and Development Assistant; and Mr. Sainivalati Navoti, Chief of Small Island Developing States, UNDESA.
About ISA
The International Seabed Authority is an autonomous international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The International Seabed Authority is responsible for regulating mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction. It has a mandate to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects arising from such activities.
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ISA Communications Unit, news@isa.org.jm
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