Kingston, Jamaica (27 June 2026) – The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, was welcomed to the Headquarters of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica, by Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho. 

Their bilateral meeting was held on Monday, 27 June 2026, ahead of the opening of the 31st Session of the ISA Assembly, during which they reaffirmed the strong partnership between their organizations and explored opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. 

It also provided an opportunity to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Agreement of Cooperation between IMO and ISA in 2016. The agreement reinforces several issues of common interest related to the mandate of both organizations.  

At the opening of the Assembly, Secretary-General Carvalho declared: “I believe that this is the first time an IMO Secretary-General has attended a session of our Assembly. Your presence marks an important moment in the relationship between our two organizations and is a great sign for what the future holds.” 

Mr. Arsenio Dominguez took the floor at the opening of the Assembly session, affirming the moment’s opportunity for “cementing shared commitments.” 

The IMO Secretary-General acknowledged “ISA’s strong and constructive engagement with the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientifics Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection, for which IMO provides main Secretariat functions. He also took the opportunity to commend and appreciate ISA for leading the ongoing GESAMP scoping study on cumulative impacts assessment, stating that “understanding cumulative impacts – especially in aeras beyond national jurisdiction- is essential for safeguarding marine ecosystems.” 

Mr. Dominguez underscored that “IMO stands ready to share its experiences and expertise as needed, to ensure complementarity and harmonization, as appropriate.” 

To conclude with his remarks, the IMO Secretary-General shared that “the ocean connects us all” and its “health underpins climate stability, biodiversity, food security, and the wellbeing of billions of people. Responsible use of the ocean and its resources is a remit we all share.” 

His visit concluded with a tour of ISA Headquarters and discussions with technical experts on marine scientific research and capacity development. The exchanges identified further opportunities to expand collaboration between ISA and IMO in support of sustainable ocean governance, scientific cooperation, and inclusive capacity development. 

The IMO and ISA Secretary-Generals (centre) with the President of the 30th Session of the Assembly, H.E. Ambassador Dwight Gardiner of Antigua and Barbuda (left) and the president of the 31st Session, Mr. Oliver Whitehead of Netherlands.