Norway is taking on a leading role in global polar research as UiT The Arctic University of Norway, together with the Norwegian Polar Institute and partners from South Korea and Chile, will host the secretariat for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY-5).
The news was announced by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during Arendalsuka on Wednesday, August 12. Tromsø will serve as the main hub for coordinating global polar research over a ten-year period leading up to, during, and following the official Polar Year in 2032-2033.
The International Polar Year aims to address urgent global challenges by advancing polar research, with a particular focus on the impacts of climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic. This coordinated effort will bring together researchers, Indigenous knowledge holders, and global stakeholders to generate actionable insights for climate mitigation and adaptation, while fostering international collaboration and inclusivity.
"The fact that the University of Tromsø is taking on this role now means that we in Norway are given a main responsibility for coordination, direction, and prioritization," said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the press conference.
