To mark the 25th Anniversary of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the Government of the People’s Republic of China pledged extraordinary support to the programmes and initiatives of ISA that encourage increased participation of developing States, including in marine scientific research activities, and promote the sustainable development of mineral resources in the international deep seabed area.
At a ceremony led by Ambassador Tian Qi, Permanent Representative of the Government of the People’s Republic of China to ISA in Kingston, Jamaica, on 1 May, the Ambassador announced China’s contribution of $70,000 to be allocated to the Endowment Fund for Marine Scientific Research along with the Voluntary Trust Fund for members of the Legal and Technical Commission and Finance Committee, and the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of ISA.
Expressing his gratitude to China, the Secretary-General of ISA, Mr. Michael W. Lodge, underscored the significant contribution this Member has made to the work of ISA since its inception in 1994.
“This year marks ISA’s 25th Anniversary and we are deeply grateful to China for once more time, pledging such significant support to the Authority”, said Mr. Lodge. “As a member of the ISA Council and signatory to the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea since 1996, China has been a long-standing supporter of the work of ISA and we look forward to continuing in this spirit of great cooperation,” he added.
Ambassador Tian Qi acknowledged that, “China always supports the Authority and the Secretary-General. Meanwhile, China will continue to support the capacity building of developing States, to upgrade the marine scientific research in the Area, further promote the implementation of the principle of the common heritage of mankind and co-build a Maritime Community with a Shared Future.”
The 25th Anniversary commemorative exhibition of ISA will be held during its annual session in Kingston, Jamaica on 25th July 2019. ISA is also organizing a series of commemorative activities during the year in the lead up to its anniversary on 16 November 2019.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Katie Elles, Communications Specialist, International Seabed Authority M: +1 (876) 835 3801/ E: kelles@isa.org.jm
For more information visit our website www.isa.org.jm or follow us on Twitter @ISBAHQ