Heads of States and Government, ministers, former Secretary-Generals, United Nations officials and observers who attended the Special Commemorative Session of the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston on 25 July 2019 commended ISA on its efforts towards advancing the sustainable development of mineral resources for the benefit of all mankind over the last 25 years.
Official visit of ISA Secretary-General to Fiji
Initiating a series of visits in the Pacific region, the International Seabed Authority (ISA)’s Secretary-General Mr. Michael W. Lodge, met with the Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr. Frank Bainimarama, as well as other high-level officials to discuss the sustainable development of mineral resources in the international deep seabed area and the commitment of the Organization to ensure increased participation of Pacific Islands Developing States (P-SIDS) in its work.
Highlighting the significant contribution Fiji has made to the work of ISA since it was established 25 years ago under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Mr. Lodge commanded Fiji for its contribution and long standing support to the Organization, particularly through its leadership as a Council member.
In response, the Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr. Frank Bainimarama, stressed that ISA had a “significant role to play for ensuring the sustainable management of deep-seabed resources and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
During his visit to Fiji, the Secretary-General of ISA met with the Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Inia Seruiratu and the Hon. Minister for Lands and Minerals Resources, Mr. Ashneel Sudhakar to discuss potential areas of cooperation.
Meetings were also held with regional organizations such as the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Pacific Island Development Forum (PIDF) to discuss current initiatives and future areas of cooperation with a view of addressing the needs of ISA P-SIDS members.
Also, on 2 August, the Secretary-General participated in a public lecture at the University of the South Pacific on ‘The issue of deep seabed mining and the engagement of Pacific Islands States.’
Mr. Michael W. Lodge departed Fiji for Nauru and Kiribati where he attended, together with representatives of P-SIDS Sponsoring States, ISA led regional training and capacity building workshops designed to implement the Abyssal Initiative Project (#OceanAction16538) implemented in partnership with UNDESA.
Regional workshops held in Nauru and Kiribati to strengthen specific capacity-building needs of Pacific sponsoring States
Senior governments officials and experts from Pacific Small Island Developing States (P-SIDS) of the four sponsoring States (Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and Tonga) convened at regional workshops held in Nauru and Kiribati, last week to boost the capacity of P-SIDS in marine scientific research and raise awareness of the legal aspects of deep seabed activities undertaken beyond national jurisdiction.
Applications now open for the ISA contractor training programme 2019-2020
Applications are now open for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) contractor training programme (2019-2020) for candidates from developing countries.
Third IORA Ministerial Conference underscores crucial role of deep-sea exploration in advancing the Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean region
Effective international cooperation in collecting and sharing knowledge of ocean resources will be critical to realizing all aspects of the Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean region, particularly data on marine biodiversity, highlighted the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Mr. Michael W. Lodge, at the Third IORA Ministerial Conference held in Dhaka on 5 September.
Call for Proposals for a study of the potential impact of mineral production from the Area on the economies of developing land-based producers
FOR A STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF POLYMETALLIC NODULES PRODUCTION FROM THE AREA ON THE ECONOMIES OF DEVELOPING LAND-BASED PRODUCERS OF THOSE METALS WHICH ARE LIKELY TO BE MOST SERIOUSLY AFFECTED
Workshop on deep-seabed resources and the Blue Economy organised by ISA and Myanmar with the support of KMI highlights regional capacity-building needs for ASEAN & BIMSTEC Members
A high-level workshop on ‘Deep-seabed Resources and the Blue Economy,’ organized by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in partnership with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, was held in Nay Pyi Taw, this week.
Applications now open to government officials from African countries for a secondment with ISA to advance geological and ocean policy activities
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is calling for expressions of interest from government representatives from African countries, members of ISA, for a two-month secondment with the Organization to advance geological and ocean policy activities.
UN Global Compact meeting on Oceans outlines rising demand for responsibly sourced deep-seabed minerals and related opportunities in delivering on the Global Goals
Deep seabed mining has the potential to accelerate progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by increasing scientific knowledge of the deep ocean whilst at the same time providing opportunities for economic growth on the basis of fairness and equity , highlighted Mr. Michael W. Lodge, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) at the High-Level UN Global Compact meeting held in Oslo, Norway, last week.
