H.E. Mr. Oumarou Ganou presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, as the Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso during a ceremony held in Kingston, Jamaica, on Tuesday, 16 April 2024.
Ambassador Mr. Ganou, a seasoned diplomat and foreign affairs adviser, has held various prestigious positions within the Government of Burkina Faso, contributing significantly to regional cooperation and integration efforts in Africa. His extensive experience in international relations is marked by his role as the Ambassador and Permanent Deputy Representative of Burkina Faso to Brussels, among other significant diplomatic positions.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Ganou emphasized the importance of sustainable development of seabed resources and the commitment of Burkina Faso to supporting the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “I reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing collaboration between our country and ISA and assured ISA of our readiness to engage in any initiatives aimed at advancing and bolstering the expertise of our professionals,” stated Ambassador Ganou.
Secretary-General Lodge welcomed Ambassador Ganou, noting his rich diplomatic experience and the value it brings to the ISA. “Burkina Faso plays a crucial role in our collective efforts to manage the seabed’s resources sustainably. We are pleased to have Ambassador Ganou with us and look forward to benefiting from his experience and leadership as we progress the important work assigned to ISA, acting as a steward for the Area and its resources for the benefit of all humanity,” said Mr. Lodge.
About ISA
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an autonomous international organization mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to protect the seabed for the shared benefit of humankind. As a science-based organization acting as Trustee for the protection and sustainable management of the Area and its minerals, ISA is committed to the principle that all nations of the world should benefit from responsible, sustainable and regulated economic activities in the deep seabed, including deep-seabed mining. ISA works to ensure that the voices of all States and stakeholders, including developing States and civil society organizations, are effectively heard in discussions around the sustainable development of the deep seabed.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Jaimie Abbott, Communications Specialist, ISA, jabbott@isa.org.jm