Maldives Participates in the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority Assembly

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Legal Counsel Uza. Fazeela A. Shaheem has represented the Maldives at the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Assembly, held from 27 to 31 July in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Assembly centered on critical deliberations, including draft guidelines for the observer status of ISA contractors, delegation responses to the Secretary-General’s report, financial and budgetary matters, and the operationalization of the Enterprise. Member states also conducted a periodic review of the international regime of the Area and considered requesting an advisory opinion from the Seabed Disputes Chamber of ITLOS regarding the legal implications of seabed activities undertaken by non-States Parties. Additionally, a proposal introduced by Vanuatu aimed at ensuring adequate scientific understanding for informed decision-making—which calls for identifying key scientific knowledge gaps—was adjourned to be carried forward for further consideration by the Assembly.