Ambassador Dwight Gardiner Concludes Term as ISA Assembly President

H.E. Dwight C.R. Gardiner of Antigua and Barbuda Concludes Successful Term as President of the 30^th Session of the International Seabed Authority Assembly                            

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) yesterday marked the conclusion of the one-year term of H.E, Dwight C.R. Gardiner of Antigua and Barbuda as President of the 30^th Session of the Assembly 2025-2026, paying tribute to his distinguished service, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the work of the Authority during a pivotal period.

President Gardiner’s tenure carried particular significance for the Caribbean and for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), whose economies, cultures, and livelihoods are deeply connected to the ocean. His election to lead the Assembly reflected the confidence of Member States in the leadership of Caribbean nations and underscored the important role that SIDS continue to play in shaping international ocean governance.

Throughout his presidency, Ambassador Gardiner guided the Assembly with professionalism, impartiality, and a spirit of cooperation, fostering constructive dialogue among Member States on issues of global importance. His calm and inclusive approach helped facilitate consensus while ensuring that the Assembly’s deliberations remained transparent, respectful, and firmly grounded in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

For Caribbean countries and SIDS, the work of the International Seabed Authority is of particular importance. As custodian of mineral resources in the international seabed area, the ISA plays a central role in ensuring that activities in the Area are carried out for the benefit of all humanity while protecting the marine environment. For island and coastal developing States, effective stewardship of the ocean, equitable participation in decision-making, capacity-building, and the fair sharing of benefits are essential components of sustainable development and the realization of a resilient blue economy.

In expressing her appreciation during a hand-over in Kingston, Jamaica yesterday, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority thanked President Gardiner for his exceptional service to the Assembly.

“President Gardiner has led the Assembly with integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. His steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and commitment to fostering mutual understanding among Member States have strengthened the work of the Assembly and the Authority as a whole. His presidency has also demonstrated the valuable leadership that Small Island Developing States continue to bring to global ocean governance. On behalf of the Secretariat, I extend my sincere gratitude and wish him every success in his future endeavors.”

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization also conveyed warm appreciation for President Gardiner’s leadership, recognizing his commitment to multilateral cooperation and his contribution to strengthening international dialogue on ocean affairs. 

Member States from every regional group joined in expressing their gratitude to President Gardiner for his exemplary stewardship over the past year. Delegations commended his patience, diplomacy, and ability to guide complex discussions with composure and respect, while ensuring that every Member State had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Assembly’s work.

Reflecting on the conclusion of his term, President Gardiner expressed his appreciation to Member States, the Secretariat, and his fellow Bureau Members for their trust and shared commitment to advancing the mandate of the Authority.

As President of the Assembly, Mr. Gardiner presided over the Authority’s highest decision-making body during an important chapter in the ISA’s work. His tenure was marked by an unwavering commitment to effective multilateralism, leaving a lasting legacy for the Assembly and reinforcing the important role of Caribbean leadership in international governance.

President Gardiner is succeeded by H.E. President Oliver Whitehead of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as President for the 31^st Session, and who previously served as one of the Vice-Presidents of the 30^th Session.

Ambassador Gardiner is also the Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the International Maritime Organisationand has launched a campaign to secure the twin-island nation’selection to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, with elections scheduled for December 2027. This is another aspect of the national push to participate more actively in global ocean governance in the face of growing threats to the sustainability of our oceans.

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