Kingston, Jamaica (14 July 2026) – Her Excellency Ms. Elida María Alcedo Guardia presented her credentials as the new Permanent Representative of the Republic of Panama to the International Seabed Authority.
She was welcomed by Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho during a ceremony held on Thursday, 14 July 2026, at the ISA Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica.
Ambassador Alcedo Guardia has extensive experience in public and private sector leadership, including institutional relations, strategic management, commercial development, and international coordination. Her professional background includes senior responsibilities in Panama’s financial sector, work on competitiveness and trade promotion, and liaison with international development partners.
Upon presenting her credentials, Ambassador Alcedo Guardia reaffirmed Panama´s deep commitment to the sustainable use and protection of the oceans, as well as to the preservation of the common heritage of humankind. The Ambassador extended her best wishes for Madam Secretary-General´s success in advancing the Authority’s mandate.
Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho warmly welcomed Ambassador Alcedo Guardia and underscored that “Panama’s relationship with the ocean is central to its national identity and international role, and its voice as a maritime State, a member of the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC), and an active participant in multilateral ocean governance is highly valued by the Authority.”
With Part II of the 31st Session of the ISA Council and Assembly happening in Jamaica until 31 July, the Secretary-General recognized “Panama’s perspective as a maritime State and regional partner” as of particular importance. Ms. Carvalho affirmed that she is looking forward to continuing the dialogue with Panama, “including on the draft exploitation regulations and the broader work of giving effect to the principle of the common heritage of humankind, in a spirit of transparency, environmental responsibility and respect” for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
About ISA
The International Seabed Authority is an autonomous intergovernmental organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to organize, regulate and control activities in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the benefit of humankind as a whole. ISA is committed to ensuring that all activities in the deep seabed are carried out responsibly, using the best available scientific evidence and in accordance with the principle of the common heritage of humankind.
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ISA Communications Unit, news@isa.org.jm
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