Presentations

Opening Remarks:

• H.E Michael W. Lodge, Secretary-General, ISA
• H.E Denys Wibeaux, Permanent representative of France to ISA and President of the 26^th session of the Assembly

Panel 1: Importance of marine science for the sustainable development of the ocean and its resources and the effective implementation of international law

• H.E Miguel de Serpa Soares, UN Legal Counsel
• H.E Luis Del Solar Dorrego, Permanent Representative of Argentina to ISA
• Mr Ariel Troisi, Chair, IOC-UNESCO
• H.E Vladimir Ryabinin, Executive Secretary, IOC-UNESCO

Panel 2:  Advancing scientific knowledge of the deep-sea for the sustainable development of the ocean resources including understanding biodiversity and ecosystems functions

• Hon. Minister Seong-Hyeok Moon, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea
• Mrs Veronika Veits, Director, DG MARE, European Union
• Professor Shirayama, JAMSTEC
• Dr Gordon Paterson, ISA Legal & Technical Commission

Panel 3: Strengthening deep-sea scientific capacity of developing States, including transfer of technology

• H.E Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, USG UN-OHRLLS
• Ms Marte Ziolkowski, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
• Mr Liu Feng, Chair, Secretary-General COMRA and Chair of ISA-China Joint Training and Research Centre

Panel 4: Fostering strategic partnerships

• H.E Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to ISA
• Mr Sturla Henriksen, Special Advisor, UN Global Compact
• Dr. Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General, IHO
• Mrs Claire Jolly, Head of Unit, Innovation Policies for Space and the Ocean, STI Ocean Economy Group, OECD
• Mr. Ward Appeltans, Programme Manager OBIS/IOC-UNESCO