The thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) marks a significant milestone in the history of international ocean governance. Over the past three decades, ISA has emerged as a central institution of global ocean architecture, safeguarding the common heritage of humankind and charting a course towards the responsible and sustainable exploitation of seabed mineral resources for the benefit of all.

On this World Oceans Day 2024, let’s celebrate 30 years of ocean diplomacy and consensus building in the service of peaceful and shared co-management of the international seabed area (the Area), which covers 54 per cent of the world’s ocean seabed.

On World Environment Day 2024, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) stands tall in its role of steward of the international seabed area (the Area) and its resources for the benefit of all humanity, a mandate entrusted to it by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

On the International Day of Biological Diversity, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) celebrates the rich biodiversity of the ocean depths and highlights the crucial role of deep-sea research in operationalizing the unique mandate it has been assigned by the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea to act as steward of the Area and its resources for the benefit of all humanity.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is thrilled to join the worldwide observance of International Women’s Day.

As we mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, it brings me immense pride to reflect on the strides we have made towards fostering inclusivity and empowering women from the realm of deep-sea research. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality in this field, as demonstrated by our Voluntary Commitment “Advancing women’s empowerment in marine scientific research” (#OceanAction 40786), registered at the 2017 UN Ocean Conference and renewed in 2022.

In his address to the United Nations Economic and Social Council in July 2020, the UN Secretary-General called for a strengthened and renewed multilateralism, geared towards the overarching goals of peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.

Statement by Mr Michael W Lodge, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority | Jamaica, Kingston 5 March 2020