On Wednesday, 29 July 2026, the Vice President of the Republic of Naoero, Lionel Aingimea, delivered a powerful statement at the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Assembly in Kingston, Jamaica.
Speaking before global leaders, the Vice President called for urgency and resolve in finalising the long delayed exploitation regulations, stressing that prolonged uncertainty undermines the rights and development prospects of small island developing States (SIDS). He reminded the Assembly that Naoero triggered the two year rule in 2021 in good faith, expecting timely progress, and urged the ISA to honour its commitments.
He firmly addressed calls for a moratorium or precautionary pause, noting that such measures have no basis in UNCLOS or the 1994 Agreement, and disproportionately harm small island nations. He emphasised Naoero’s leadership in science based decision making, citing the extensive environmental data contributed by Naoero’s sponsored contractor, NORI, including over one petabyte of data and dozens of peer reviewed scientific publications.
Vice President Aingimea also raised concerns regarding transparency, due process, and the treatment of Naoero within ISA proceedings, calling for greater respect, accountability, and timely communication across all organs of the Authority.
In closing, he reaffirmed Naoero’s unwavering support to ensuring that SIDS retain a real, not theoretical, stake in the benefits of seabed resources.
