The Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has resumed its discussions under Part II of the 29th session. The meetings of the Council are set to continue until July 26, 2024, with several key agenda items. The primary focus will be on advancing negotiations on the draft regulations for the exploitation of mineral resources in the Area, with the aim of finalizing the first reading of the consolidated text.

Welcoming delegations to Kingston, the Secretary-General of ISA, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, acknowledged all those who had led and participated in inter-sessional discussions with a view to advancing work on specific aspects of the draft regulations. He looked forward to constructive discussions during the next two weeks as the Council continued to make progress toward its common objective of putting in place a robust regulatory framework for future activities in the Area.

H.E. Ambassador Olav Myklebust of Norway, serving as the President of the Council for the 29th session, laid out the meeting’s key goals. These included conducting a detailed review of the consolidated text, tackling broader issues like coastal States’ rights, and holding focused talks on equalization measures. In closing, the President acknowledged the progress made and looked forward to a spirited, collaborative, and productive meeting.

Other significant agenda items to be discussed by the Council include consideration of the report of the Chair of the Legal and Technical Commission, the ISA budget for the 2025-2026 financial period, the relinquishment of areas under exploration contracts, and the proposal of candidates for the election of the Secretary-General to the Assembly.

The Council is comprised of 36 members elected by the Assembly, representing various interests and geographical regions as stipulated in the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

As the executive organ of ISA, the Council establishes specific policies in conformity with UNCLOS and the general policies set by the Assembly. It supervises and coordinates the implementation of the regime established by UNCLOS to promote and regulate exploration for and exploitation of deep-sea minerals by States, corporations, and other entities. Under this system, no such activity may legally occur until contracts between each interested entity and ISA have been signed. The Council’s task is to draw up the terms of contracts, approve contract applications, oversee the implementation of the contracts, and establish environmental and other standards.