27 January 2025, Kingston, Jamaica – The International Seabed Authority (the Authority) had the privilege of welcoming the Honourable Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on Thursday, 23 January 2025.
The visit marked a historic occasion, as the Minister reaffirmed Brazil’s strong support for Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho, the first Brazilian, the first woman and the first Latin American to lead the Authority. The delegation congratulated Madam Secretary-General on her groundbreaking appointment and discussed Brazil’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and advancing the Authority’s priorities for the year, including sustainable seabed governance.
Minister Vieira remarked, “I made a point of coming to the Authority during my visit to Jamaica to see firsthand the work of the organization and the goals of its new administration. I leave very satisfied and highly interested in the important debates that the Authority will continue to lead, which are of fundamental importance to the international community.”
Building on the Minister’s sentiments, Madam Secretary-General Carvalho highlighted the importance of the visit, saying, “It was an honour to welcome the Honourable Minister Mauro Vieira and the Brazilian delegation to the Authority’s headquarters. This visit is a profound recognition of Brazil’s commitment to the Authority’s mandate and to the collective effort of safeguarding the world’s seabed resources. As a Brazilian, I take great pride in leading this new chapter, guided by a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility for the benefit of all humankind.”
Adding her perspective, H.E. Elza de Moreira Marcelino de Castro, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the Authority, underscored the broader implications of the visit, stating, “The visit of H.E. Minister Mauro Vieira, the first visit by a Brazilian Foreign Minister in the 30-year history of the Authority, underscores Brazil’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the organization and advancing the sustainable use of marine resources for the benefit of all humankind. Under the visionary leadership of H.E. Leticia Carvalho, this moment signifies a new era of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in deep seabed governance.”
The Brazilian delegation accompanying Minister Vieira included H.E. Elza de Moreira de Marcelino de Castro, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the International Seabed Authority, Ambassador Gisela Padovan, Secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ambassador Ricardo Monteiro, Chief of Staff, Ambassador Joel Sampaio, Head of AIG, Minister Elio Cardoso, Director of the Central America and Caribbean Department, Minister Bruno Neves, Special Adviser to the Cabinet, Counsellor Vinícius Coelho, Diplomatic Introducer, Counsellor Felix Pires, Embassy of Brazil, First Secretary Luiz Feldman, Cabinet Adviser, James Goren, Honorary Consul, Consulate of Brazil in Montego Bay.
This visit highlights Brazil’s continued commitment to the Authority’s mission and the shared objective of advancing the sustainable and equitable use of the world’s seabed resources. It also reflects the historic significance of Madam Secretary-General Carvalho’s leadership as the Authority embarks on a new chapter.
About the International Seabed Authority
The International Seabed Authority (the Authority) 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. The Authority 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 (hu)mankind.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Communications Unit of the Authority, news@isa.org.jm