Arctic Circle Rome Forum - Polar Dialogue. From Glaciers to Seas

March 3–4, 2026: the National Research Council of Italy hosts and supports the organization of the Arctic Circle Forum, the largest international network for dialogue and cooperation on the Arctic

The event Arctic Circle Rome Forum - Polar Dialogue. From Glaciers to Seas is supported by the Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2025 between the Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca (MUR) and Arctic Circle. The focus is on international cooperation in the Arctic region and, more broadly, on the “three Poles,” also including glaciers, which are equally crucial for the proper protection of ecosystems.

This year, the organization of the Arctic Circle Forum falls to Italy and is jointly entrusted to MUR and the National Research Council of Italy. Building also on its coordinating role among the various research institutions active in the region through the Polar Hub, the CNR will host the event at its headquarters in Rome.

Over the course of the two-day event, Italy’s experience and excellence in the Polar regions will be highlighted, showcasing the country as a leading international actor in a context of growing scientific, climate-related, as well as economic, commercial, and geopolitical relevance. Representatives from the Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, the Ministero della Difesa, and the Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica will also attend, together with all relevant sectoral bodies.

Arctic Circle is an international organization open to representatives of governments, organizations, companies, the scientific community, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, civil society, and other stakeholders of potential interest: an open democratic platform for exchanging ideas, perspectives, and visions.

The 2026 edition will focus on the themes of Science, Diplomacy, Security, Education, and Research, around which the discussion panels will be structured.

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