Kingston, Jamaica (26  July, 2026) – Madam Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, Leticia Carvalho, joined the President of the 30th Session of the Assembly, H.E. Ambassador Dwight Gardiner of Antigua and Barbuda, for his reception to mark the outgoing presidency and provide a welcoming transition to the incoming President of the 31st Session, Mr. Oliver Whitehead of Netherlands.

It brought Member States, ISA staff and other stakeholders together for an evening that set the stage for the opening of the 31st Assembly on a collaborative note. Ms. Carvalho took the opportunity to thank Ambassador Gardiner for the exceptional work he has done over this last year to galvanize progress:

“The President’s elegant, calm and inclusive style brought consensus on a number of challenging topics. It was an absolute delight to work together over the last year. It is great to know that he will continue in his national capacity to remain involved in ISA matters.”, she declared.

Ambassador Gardiner expressed: “It has been my pleasure to serve as President of the 30th Session of the Assembly, especially as a representative of a small island developing state. Having first been accredited to the ISA in 2015, I have grown to appreciate the unique role of this organization as a fundamental pillar of the law of the sea.

With its unique mandate and near universal membership, the ISA stands among a privileged group of international organizations distinguished by their reach and scope. To be President of such an esteemed body is truly a privilege, and I have been honoured to serve.”