Kingston, Jamaica – On January 15, 2025, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), Ms. Leticia Carvalho, visited the Honourable Kamina Johnson-Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, at the Ministry’s offices in Kingston. This meeting marked a significant moment for the ISA as Ms. Carvalho assumed the role of the first woman, oceanographer, and Latin American and Caribbean national to lead the organization in its thirty-year history.
Minister Johnson-Smith congratulated Secretary-General Carvalho, highlighting Jamaica’s strong commitment to the ISA’s objectives. “On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I warmly welcome Secretary-General Carvalho as she begins her leadership of the International Seabed Authority,” said the Minister. “Jamaica places great importance on ocean protection and sustainability, and through the ISA, we are eager to continue our collaboration in promoting the sustainable use of marine resources and safeguarding the marine environment, while advancing ongoing negotiations on mining regulations.”
The Minister reaffirmed Jamaica’s role as the host country of the ISA, underlining its dedication to deepening cooperation with the organization during Ms. Carvalho’s leadership.
Secretary-General Carvalho thanked the Minister for the warm reception and outlined her priorities for her tenure. “In my first 100 days, I am committed to listening and learning to better understand the priorities, challenges, and aspirations of Member States and stakeholders,” she stated. “This collaborative approach will guide our efforts as we work to address global ocean governance challenges, including the 2023 Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), while staying aligned with the ISA’s core mandate under UNCLOS.”
Ms. Carvalho also expressed her sincere appreciation for Jamaica’s vital role as the ISA’s host country. “I am deeply grateful to the Government and people of Jamaica for providing a home to the ISA and for fostering an environment where multilateral collaboration can thrive,” she said. “I look forward to strengthening our partnership as we work together to tackle the challenges and opportunities in ocean governance and resource management.”
The meeting emphasized on the continued strong partnership between Jamaica and the ISA, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable development and responsible stewardship of the world’s seabed resources. The ISA’s ongoing work remains essential in ensuring the sustainable management of the seabed’s mineral resources for the benefit of all nations, and Jamaica’s leadership will continue to be central to these global efforts.
About ISA
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an autonomous intergovernmental organization created under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction. The ISA ensures that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including mining, are regulated and responsibly managed using the best available scientific evidence. The ISA advocates for the inclusive involvement of all states, particularly developing countries, in the sustainable development of the deep seabed.
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