The Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (the Authority), Leticia Carvalho, met with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on February 6, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, US. The discussions focused on advancing international cooperation in ocean governance and ensuring sustainable management of deep-sea resources.

Secretary-General Guterres reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to multilateral collaboration in addressing pressing environmental challenges while enabling responsible resource use. He emphasized that global cooperation is essential to protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing from seabed resources.

Secretary-General Carvalho highlighted the role of the Authority in developing a comprehensive Mining Code, a regulatory framework designed to ensure that deep-sea activities are conducted responsibly and in line with environmental sustainability principles. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Authority to a science-based approach to policy development and stressed the importance of engaging all stakeholders in shaping the future of ocean governance.

Looking ahead, Secretary-General Guterres recognized the importance of continued collaboration with the Authority on ocean governance. Both United Nations leaders expressed hope for a future marked by effective regulation, cooperation, and commitment to sustainable seabed governance.