Reflections from Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho on ISA Engagements in Singapore
December 2025 – I recently visited Singapore for a focused series of engagements with government, industry and knowledge partners. The mission reaffirmed Singapore’s support for multilateralism under UNCLOS, its growing leadership in ocean diplomacy, and its commitment to advancing coherent, science-based governance of the deep seabed.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade & Industry, I was pleased to meet Minister of State H.E. Gan Siow Huang, who underscored Singapore’s long-term investment in ocean governance, its belief in rules-based approaches, and its recognition that responsible management of seabed resources is essential for global sustainability. We discussed Singapore’s interest in strengthening regional participation and its support for capacity building that enables developing States to engage meaningfully with ISA processes.
My bilateral meeting with Ms. Foo Chi Hsia, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further highlighted Singapore’s diplomatic footprint in shaping the global ocean agenda. Singapore is assuming a growing convening role across multilateral fora, and I welcomed our discussion on reinforcing institutional coherence while ensuring that developing States have pathways to access knowledge, science and regulatory processes related to the Area.
A particularly insightful exchange took place with Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh, whose legacy in shaping UNCLOS remains foundational for all of us who work in ocean governance. Our discussion reaffirmed Singapore’s principled view that UNCLOS is durable, future-focused and capable of steering cooperation through emerging challenges. I appreciated his reflections on inclusivity, inter-generational equity and the importance of dialogue in navigating differing perspectives among States.
Singapore’s role in global negotiations was a recurring theme. As a leading facilitator of key multilateral processes, including the BBNJ Agreement, Singapore emphasized the importance of regulatory coherence and constructive engagement between ocean regimes. This commitment resonates deeply with ISA’s mandate and reinforces Singapore’s value as a trusted bridge-builder in ocean diplomacy.
Engagement with Ocean Mineral Singapore (OMS) offered constructive industry perspectives. I met Mr. Loh Chin Hua, CEO of its majority shareholder Keppel Ltd., who shared insights on technology development, environmental baseline work and expectations for a predictable, science-based regulatory framework to support innovation, investment and environmental protection. His perspectives reinforced the value of continued dialogue between regulators, scientific institutions and private sector actors to ensure responsible approaches to deep-sea activities.
The mission also provided opportunities to engage in Singapore’s scientific and conservation landscape. Discussions with the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum highlighted opportunities for collaboration in biodiversity digitization, collection management and scientific outreach aligned with ISA’s Marine Scientific Research Action Plan.
Across all engagements, Singapore demonstrated clarity, discipline and forward-looking intent: a belief that effective governance depends on legal predictability, capacity building, science integration and institutional cohesion. Its readiness to advance dialogue, champion coherence among international regimes and support developing States reinforces Singapore as an indispensable partner for delivering a responsible and inclusive future for the Area. We are delighted to continue working together on building the International Day of the Deep Seabed, championed by Singapore, as well as Fiji, Jamaica and Malta, and adopted by the 30th Assembly to be celebrated annually on 1 November.
I left Singapore encouraged by its thought leadership, diplomatic weight and practical commitment to cooperation. As ISA adopts its regulatory framework, advances scientific partnerships and scales support for developing States, I look forward to deepening our collaboration with Singapore, confident that its strategic vision and convening role will continue shaping a governance model worthy of the common heritage of humankind.
Leticia Carvalho
Secretary-General, International Seabed Authority
About ISA
ISA is an autonomous intergovernmental organization mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the shared benefit of humankind. ISA is committed to ensuring that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including mining, are regulated and responsibly managed using the best available scientific evidence for the benefit of all humankind.
For media inquiries, please contact:
ISA Communications Unit, news@isa.org.jm
—————
For more information, visit our website, www.isa.org.jm