At the 31st Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica, Qatar reiterated its strong support for the ISA and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The event served as a platform for discussions on the sustainable management of international seabed resources, a topic of great concern to participating nations.
Omar Ali Al Ali, representing Qatar as the Secretary of the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, underscored the importance of achieving a balance between the exploitation of marine resources and the protection of the marine environment. His statement highlighted Qatar’s dedication to fostering a responsible approach to marine resource management.
Al Ali stressed the necessity for enhanced dialogue, transparency, and the reliance on credible scientific research as fundamental components in improving the decision-making processes within the ISA. He advocated for comprehensive environmental assessments to ensure that decisions made by the authority are informed and beneficial to all involved parties.
Qatar’s commitment extends to collaborating with other member states in supporting the ISA’s mission to manage seabed resources in line with international law. This cooperative effort aims to ensure that the exploitation of these resources serves the broader interests of humanity while safeguarding environmental sustainability.