Page "International Seabed Authority" Paragraph 2

Following at least ten preparatory meetings over the years, the Authority held its first inaugural meeting in its host country, Jamaica, on 16 November 1994, the day the Convention came into force.

The articles governing the Authority have been made " noting the political and economic changes, including market-oriented approaches, affecting the implementation " of the Convention.

The Authority obtained its observer status to the United Nations in October 1996.