From 25–27 February 2026, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco will once again be at the centre of global dialogue on polar science and policy, as the Monaco Polar Symposium 2026 brings together researchers, Indigenous leaders, policymakers and civil society to tackle urgent challenges facing both the Arctic and Antarctic.
Organised under The Polar Initiative, a collaborative science diplomacy platform led by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation with the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), and the Oceanographic Institute, the biennial symposium has become a key event for strategic reflection and collective action on the future of Earth’s polar regions.
A Growing Tradition
First held in February 2022, the inaugural Monaco Polar Symposium marked the official launch of The Polar Initiative. It provided a forum for scientists, policymakers, Indigenous knowledge holders and other stakeholders to discuss how rapid environmental change in the polar regions influences global systems. The second edition followed in 2024, expanding the conversation and building momentum for collaborative polar research and policy solutions.
For 2026, the symposium’s theme, “Enabling the Legacy: Translating Polar Research into Action,” reflects an evolving focus on linking scientific insight to tangible societal impact. Discussions will contribute directly to shaping the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY-5) — a major global science initiative slated for 2032–2033.
Agenda and Priorities
Over three days, participants will engage in a mix of high-level panels and participatory workshops structured around three core themes:
- International Collaboration in Times of Uncertainty — exploring how scientific and diplomatic partnerships can be sustained amid geopolitical shifts.
- Funding Innovation, Equity & New Models — examining equitable, scalable financing strategies that support polar research and action globally.
- From Research to Action: Flagship Initiatives & Implementation — focusing on translating knowledge into concrete, large-scale initiatives with real-world impact.
The programme is designed not just to share research but to produce actionable outcomes that can inform policy, support strategic decision-making, and foster international cooperation across the Arctic and Antarctic.
Global and Local Engagement
Though held in Monaco, the symposium draws a truly international audience, with speakers and participants representing diverse disciplines and regions. It underscores Monaco’s unique role as a global convening point for polar diplomacy, science and cooperation, building on the legacy of polar exploration and environmental stewardship associated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
As climate change accelerates and geopolitical and economic pressures increase, the Monaco Polar Symposium continues to offer a vital forum where science meets policy and action, reinforcing the idea that protecting the Earth’s poles requires collective effort across borders, sectors and generations.
Source: The Polar Initiative