Kingston, Jamaica – 13 November 2024 — The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) proudly hosted its seventh annual end-of-training certificate presentation ceremony for the beneficiaries of the Contractors’ Training Programme (CTP). Conducted virtually, the event celebrated the achievements of 33 trainees from 13 developing States, including 12 participants from least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and one from a small island developing States (SIDS). Among them, 13 were women, comprising 39 per cent of the cohort, reflecting ISA’s commitment to advancing gender equality under the Women in Deep-Sea Research initiative.
The participating contractors—China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association (COMRA), Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), JSC Yuzhmorgeologiya, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India (MNRE) and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea (MOF-ROK)—facilitated various training programmes, including theoretical, at-sea and engineering courses. COMRA led the cohort with 18 trainees who engaged in at-sea and engineering training programmes. CIIC contributed to capacity-building by hosting two trainees from Uganda and Namibia for a specialized seminar on dredging technologies. JSC Yuzhmorgeologiya and MNRE provided theoretical training opportunities for nine trainees, focusing on exploration for polymetallic resources. MOF-ROK supported four trainees who participated in the Deep Dive online training programme pioneered and developed by ISA.
In his opening remarks, ISA Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, commended the trainees for their dedication and expressed gratitude to the contractors for their continued support. “The CTP stands as a testament to our collective commitment to fostering equitable opportunities in deep-sea research and capacity-building. As we celebrate today, we also reaffirm our dedication to gender equality, innovation and the development of a global pool of experts,” he stated.
Representatives from COMRA, CIIC, JSC Yuzhmorgeologiya and MNRE joined the ceremony live to congratulate the trainees and highlight the importance of their contributions.
In his statement, Mr. Kang Mi Suk, Director of the Marine Development Division of the MOF-ROK, highlighted the profound achievements of the trainees. “We are extremely proud of their perseverance and commitment throughout this training programme. We trust that the experiences they gain will empower them to excel further and contribute meaningfully to the field of deep-sea science. Their participation has not only enriched our institute but has also made a positive impact on the wider scientific community,” he stated.
Invited to share their personal experiences during the event, providing inspiring reflections on the transformative nature of the programme, Ms. Nisha Nair from India highlighted the invaluable hands-on knowledge gained during geological surveys aboard the Isabu. Mr. Fred Nderema from Uganda underscored the critical insights into sustainable marine resource management provided by the theoretical sessions.
As part of the ceremony, ISA invited all new graduates to join the Capacity Development Alumni Network, which fosters a global community of skilled professionals in sustainable seabed resource development. The network, launched in February 2024, has grown to include 80 members, 58 of whom are former CTP trainees.
The ISA CTP is a vital component of its capacity development strategy, ensuring that knowledge and expertise in marine science and resource management are equitably distributed globally. The programme reaffirms ISA’s commitment to supporting the sustainable development of deep-sea resources for the benefit of humankind.
About ISA
The International Seabed Authority (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 the principle that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including deep-seabed mining, must be regulated and responsibly managed using the best available scientific evidence for the benefit of all nations of the world. ISA works to ensure that the voices of all States, including developing States and other stakeholders, are effectively heard in discussions around the sustainable development of the deep seabed.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr. Philip Janikowski, Communications Specialist, ISA, pjanikowski@isa.org.jm