Fiji has been appointed Vice-President of the 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Assembly, currently taking place in Kingston, Jamaica from July 21–25.
Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources, Paula Cirikiyasawa, is representing Fiji in this leadership role, endorsed by the Asia-Pacific Group and coordinated by the Philippines.
Cirikiyasawa called the appointment a recognition of Fiji’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance, emphasizing the importance of fair and environmentally responsible seabed resource management.
“We are committed to ensuring that deep-sea exploration and resource management are carried out in a way that is fair, environmentally responsible, and inclusive of all Pacific voices,” he said.
Fiji’s elevated role strengthens Pacific representation in key global discussions on deep-sea exploration, marine biodiversity, and equitable benefit-sharing under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Also attending from Fiji are Dr. Apete Soro, Director of Mineral Development, and Anare Leweniqila, Director of the Multilateral Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—highlighting Fiji’s whole-of-government approach to ocean diplomacy and technical cooperation.
