Vietnam suggests early finalisation of code of conduct on seabed mining

Chargé d'Affaires of Vietnam to the United Nations Ambassador Pham Hai Anh suggested the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Assembly prioritise early finalising a code of conduct on seabed mining while attending the 26th session of the ISA Assembly held both online and offline in Jamaica from November 13-15.

Chargé d'Affaires of Vietnam to the United Nations Ambassador Pham Hai Anh speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)
Chargé d'Affaires of Vietnam to the United Nations Ambassador Pham Hai Anh speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

In his speech from New York, Anh said the code of conduct must be in line with the principle of considering seabed and its mineral resources as a common heritage of the humankind, ensure fair and equal sharing of benefits, comply with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)’s terms regarding environmental protection, and pay attention to interests and demands of developing nations.

The Vietnamese representative proposed the ISA soon resume activities to support developing countries, improve their capacity and share technologies with them.

Anh also reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to upholding the UNCLOS’s role as a comprehensive international legal tool to adjust activities at seas and oceans, including the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources and environment protection at seabed.

At the event, the ISA Assembly elected members of its Finance Committee, and discussed the implementation of the ISA’s Action Plan for the Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development.