Arctic Circle Forum – Polar Dialogue
Dialoghi polari - Convegno DSSTTA
Rome, March 3-4, 2026 . The headquarters of the National Research Council (CNR) in Rome hosted the Arctic Circle Rome Forum – Polar Dialogue. This event stands as one of the most prestigious international appointments dedicated to the future of polar regions, bringing together experts and decision-makers from over 35 countries.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the CNR, the Forum places Italy at the heart of the global dialogue on the Arctic, Antarctic, and the “Third Pole.” It explores the role of science as geopolitical leverage and international cooperation as a fundamental tool for addressing the challenges of climate change.
The Forum facilitates international scientific cooperation through knowledge exchange between research institutes from various nations, oceanographic expeditions, and cross-border collaborations. High-level representatives from the European Commission (including the Fisheries and Oceans sectors) are participating to emphasize the importance of providing robust scientific data to support political decisions on sustainable ocean management. Throughout the Forum, science diplomacy is developed to champion research at international technical tables where the protection of extreme marine environments is discussed.
The Forum reaffirms that in-depth knowledge of the poles is essential not only for environmental conservation but also for global security and sustainable development. Gian Marco Luna, Director of CNR IRBIM, moderated the session “Arctic Fish: Sentinels of Climate Changes,” organized by colleagues Grazia Marina Quero and Monique Mancuso from the CNR IRBIM offices in Ancona and Messina, respectively.