The Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) opened its twenty-ninth session in Kingston, Jamaica. The four-day meeting will run through August 2, 2024, with a break on August 1, 2024, to observe Jamaica’s Emancipation Day.

ISA Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, opened the proceedings by commemorating ISA’s 30th anniversary and remarking on some of the organization’s notable achievements over the decades. He also informed the delegations that San Marino had recently acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and noted its forthcoming status as ISA’s 170th Member State.

With the Eastern European Group still in consultations, the Assembly opened under the presidency of the incumbent, H.E. Amb. Amara Sowa (Sierra Leone), who will remain President until a new nomination is made. Three Vice Presidents were elected from Nauru on behalf of the Asia Pacific Group, the Dominican Republic on behalf of the Group of Latin and Caribbean States, and Portugal on behalf of the Western European Group. The Assembly also appointed members to the Credentials Committee.

The Assembly’s agenda encompasses several significant items, including the presentation of the Secretary-General’s Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the ISA’s activities and achievements. Members will also deliberate on a proposal for a general policy concerning the protection and preservation of the marine environment. They will also discuss the extension of the high-level action plan for 2019–2025 (ISBA/29/A/8), ensuring its alignment with the extended strategic plan.

Members of the Assembly reviewed the applications for observer status received from 16 entities comprising academic institutions and non-governmental organizations, 14 of which were accepted.

Two crucial elections are scheduled during this session: the election of the Secretary-General for a four-year term commencing January 1, 2025, and the election of 18 members to the Council for the 2025–2028 term.

ISA Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge also announced Dr. Rengaiyan Periasamy of India as the recipient of the fifth Secretary-General’s Award for Excellence in Deep-Sea Research. Additionally, four proposals were selected for funding through the ISA Partnership Fund, further advancing the ISA’s mandate.