Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo presents his credentials to the Secretary General of the International Seabed Authority, Mr. Michael Lodge, at the sidelines of the 28th Session of the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica (CREDIT:ISA)
KINGSTON, JAMAICA 24 July 2023 – Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York Antonio M. Lagdameo presented his credentials to the Secretary General of the International Seabed Authority, Mr. Michael Lodge, at the sidelines of the 28th Session of the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica.
With the accreditation of Ambassador Lagdameo as Permanent Representative to ISA, the Philippines joins 34 states that maintain a permanent mission to the ISA.
“This reaffirms the Philippines’ support to ISA and its critical role, as it fulfills its important mandate. We believe in ensuring the fully integrated participation by developing States in ISA’s work by building capacities,” Ambassador Lagdameo said.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1994 Agreement). Through ISA, States Parties to UNCLOS organize and control all mineral-resources-related activities in the international seabed area, or the Area, which covers around 54 percent of the total area of the world’s oceans.
Secretary-General Lodge welcomed Ambassador Lagdameo as the new Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ISA. “I look forward to continuing working closely with the Philippines at this crucial time in the development of a legal regime for the Area as we move towards the sustainable development of seabed mineral resources with the full participation of developing States and for the benefit of all humanity,” he said.
In their bilateral meeting, Ambassador Lagdameo and Secretary-General Lodge exchanged further views on capacity-building measures under ISA auspices.
“We welcome more capacity building opportunities and international collaboration, including the Authority’s enhanced support for national initiatives like consultations workshops that allow developing states to pursue opportunities under UNCLOS,” Ambassador Lagdameo said.
“We are pleased that of the six candidates from the Philippines selected for training programmes under plans of work for seabed exploration last year, all are women. We encourage the Authority’s efforts in empowering female scientists,” Ambassador Lagdameo added. He urged continued efforts in enhancing deep sea literacy and the provision of more training opportunities for scientists from developing states.
Ambassador Lagdameo’s accreditation to ISA is in line with the Philippines’ enhanced commitment ocean governance and maritime issues and his own engagement in these matters. In his previous diplomatic posting, he was elected President of the 32nd International Maritime Organization Assembly in 2021, where he promoted seafarers’ welfare.
At the presentation, Ambassador Lagdameo was accompanied by his spouse, Madame Maria Linda F. Lagdameo, First Secretary and Legal Adviser Azela Arumpac-Marte, Honorary Consul Keith Russell, and Mr. Joel Ocsena.
ISA has the mandate to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed related activities. The Area and its resources are the common heritage of mankind.
Headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica, ISA became fully operational as an autonomous international organization in June 1996. All States Parties to UNCLOS are also members of ISA. As of July 2023, ISA has 169 Members, including 168 Member States and the European Union. END