Kingston, Jamaica, 19 March 2026 — The Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has concluded Part I of its 31st Session, held in Kingston, Jamaica, following nine days of intensive negotiations on key elements of the Draft Regulations governing the exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed Area.
Category: Press Release
At the United Nations Headquarters, Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho highlights synergies between the ISA and the BBNJ Agreement
New York, USA, 25 March 2026 – Madam Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), Leticia Carvalho, delivered her remarks at the third session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and the convening of the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement. The meetings took place from 23 March until 2 April 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Legal and Technical Commission Concludes First Part of 31st Session, Advances Work on Exploration Contracts, Environmental Threshold Values and the Economic Planning Commission
Kingston, Jamaica – 6 March 2026 – The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has concluded the first part of the work of the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC), which convened between 23 February and 6 March 2026. The LTC, which brings together legal, technical and scientific expertise to advise the Council, advances discussions and makes recommendations on the exercise of ISA functions, including rules, regulations and procedures, exploration contracts and environmental management.
International Seabed Authority concludes Contractors’ Training Programmes end-of-training certificate ceremonies
Kingston, Jamaica, 5 December 2025 — The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) hosted two virtual certificate presentation ceremonies on 4 and 5 December 2025, recognizing 69 trainees from developing States who successfully completed training under the ISA Contractors’ Training Programmes (CTP).
ISA and the Republic of France co-host See Her Exceed (S.H.E) webinar highlighting women’s leadership in deep-sea science and technological innovation
Kingston, 3 December 2025 – More than 160 participants representing over 35 countries from across the global deep-sea research community gathered for a high-level webinar entitled, “Celebrating Women in Deep-Sea Science and Technological Innovation: Creating Lasting Impact through Knowledge Transfer.” Co-hosted by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Government of France, the event marked the culmination of the pilot cohort of the See Her Exceed (S.H.E.) Global Mentorship Programme, an initiative launched in 2023, dedicated to advancing women’s leadership, technical expertise, and participation in deep-sea scientific research.
ISA and global LLDC group convene high-level seminar on oceans of opportunity for landlocked developing countries
New York, 6 November 2025 — The Global Chair of the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC) Group, in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), convened a high-level seminar to advance understanding of the specific rights, benefits, and opportunities afforded to LLDCs under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The event, “The Law of the Sea and its Ocean of Opportunities for Landlocked Developing Countries,” brought together senior officials, international law experts, and United Nations representatives to explore how LLDCs can more effectively engage in the sustainable and peaceful governance of the ocean and the international seabed area.
The International Day of the Deep Seabed is launched globally, calling for stewardship of the common heritage of humankind.
Kingston, Jamaica – 1 November – Today marks the inaugural observance of the International Day of the Deep Seabed, a new global day for celebration adopted by the 30th Assembly of the International Seabed Authority in its July 2025 session.
International Seabed Authority marks the first International Day of the Deep Seabed with new milestones in deep-sea biodiversity research
Kingston, Jamaica, 1 November 2025 – On the inaugural celebration of the International Day of the Deep Seabed, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) proudly announces the awardees of the second edition of its landmark One Thousand Reasons campaign under the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative.
The Permanent Representative of Mexico presents credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority
Kingston, Jamaica – 16 October 2025 – His Excellency Roberto Canseco-Martínez, Ambassador of the United Mexican States to Jamaica, presented his credentials to Ms. Leticia Carvalho, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), as the Permanent Representative of Mexico to the ISA during a ceremony held in Kingston, Jamaica, on 16 October 2025.
