As the Arctic attracts growing economic and strategic interest, how can development keep pace with responsibility?

Following this year’s Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, our series From Arctic to Antarctic: A Global Story of Change and Stewardship continues with Mads Qvist Frederiksen.

Speaking at the Monaco Polar Symposium, he reflects on the rapidly evolving Arctic economy and the responsibilities that come with growing interest in the region.

From strengthening dialogue between businesses, scientists and policymakers to creating the right policy frameworks for responsible investment, he explores how economic development can respond to the realities and needs of the Arctic.

Because as opportunities grow, so does the need to ensure that decisions are informed by science, shaped through dialogue and grounded in the long-term interests of Arctic communities and ecosystems.

#FPA2 #PolarInitiative #MonacoPolarSymposium #Arctic #ArcticEconomy #SustainableDevelopment #PolarRegions

What does meaningful Indigenous participation in Arctic decision-making look like?

In the latest interview from From Arctic to Antarctic: A Global Story of Change and Stewardship, Sara Olsvig and Eirik Larsen reflect on how Indigenous communities are experiencing and responding to rapid change across the Arctic.

From generations of knowledge and adaptability to self-determination and equal participation, they highlight why Indigenous Peoples must not only be consulted, but have a meaningful role in shaping the decisions that affect their lands, livelihoods and communities.

Their perspectives echo a key priority that emerged from the Monaco Polar Symposium: strengthening the integration of Indigenous knowledge and participation in polar research and governance.

#FPA2 #PolarInitiative #MonacoPolarSymposium #ArcticCircle #IndigenousPeoples #Arctic #PolarResearch

A major step forward for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY-5).

As the polar science community gathers in Oslo for the SCAR Open Science Conference, preparations for IPY-5 (2032–2033) are taking shape. This week, Norway was announced as the host of the new International Coordination Office, in partnership with the Republic of Korea and Chile.

A timely moment to hear from Henry Burgess, President of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), and Gary Wilson, President of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), in the latest interview from our series From Arctic to Antarctic: A Global Story of Change and Stewardship.

Speaking at the Monaco Polar Symposium, they reflect on what makes IPY-5 a unique opportunity for international scientific cooperation, at a time of rapid change across both polar regions.

But the ambition goes beyond 2032–2033. From stronger observing systems and international partnerships to greater scientific capacity, they explore what IPY-5 needs to put in place now to leave a lasting legacy well beyond the International Polar Year itself.

#FPA2 #PolarInitiative #MonacoPolarSymposium #IPY5 #SCAR2026 #PolarScience #Arctic #Antarctic

In the next interview of our series From Arctic to Antarctic: A Global Story of Change and Stewardship, Bapon Fakhruddin, Water Sector Lead at Green Climate Fund, reflects on one of the key challenges shaping the future of polar action: closing the financing gap and mobilising greater investment for the Arctic and Antarctic.

Developed in the context of the Monaco Polar Symposium, organised by the Foundation’s Polar Initiative, this series brings together voices from science, policy, finance and the field to shed light on why polar regions matter far beyond the poles.

He highlights the need to move towards more systemic and programmatic approaches, bringing together public finance, the private sector and philanthropy to respond to the scale of polar change.

He also discusses how blended finance and innovative funding mechanisms can help accelerate action, strengthen convergence between sectors, and translate knowledge of polar impacts into concrete, investable solutions.

Protecting the polar regions will require more than additional funding: it calls for smarter, more collaborative and more innovative ways to finance action.

This is an area in which the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is actively engaged, including through the Polar Donors Roundtable and the Cryosphere Finance Dialogue.

#FPA2 #PolarInitiative #MonacoPolarSymposium #PolarRegions #ClimateFinance #BlendedFinance #Arctic #Antarctica #IPY5

As the 5th Conference of the Parties to the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement is underway in Brussels, our series From Arctic to Antarctic: A Global Story of Change and Stewardship continues with Dave Balton.

Developed in the context of the Monaco Polar Symposium, organised by the Foundation’s Polar Initiative, this series brings together voices from science, policy and the field to shed light on why polar regions matter far beyond the poles.

In this interview, Dave Balton reflects on the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean: a landmark example of science-based, precautionary and cooperative governance.

He also looks at how the BBNJ Agreement could help shape the next chapter of ocean governance and protection in the Central Arctic Ocean.

His message is clear: in a changing Arctic, international cooperation must remain anticipatory, science-based and collective.

#FPA2 #PolarRegions #Arctic #CAOFA #OceanGovernance

Ailars DAVID – Marine scientist, Founder and hub leader of Sustainable Ocean Alliance Tanzania – Re.Generation Cohort 2025/26

Du 9 au 11 avril, le Green Shift Festival a réuni à Monaco des chercheurs, architectes, sportifs engagés et acteurs culturels autour d’une même ambition : ouvrir des espaces de dialogue, d’émotion et de rencontre pour accompagner la transition vers des futurs plus désirables.

Conférences, ateliers pour les scolaires et les professionnels, sessions bien-être, Happy Hours engagés, espace librairie, activités ouvertes aux familles, expositions et concert de clôture : cette 4e édition a plus que jamais rassemblé les publics autour d’une écologie joyeuse et positive.

Merci à toutes celles et ceux qui ont contribué à faire de cette édition un festival vivant et profondément collectif.
Rendez-vous en 2027…

Launching our new interview series: From Arctic to Antarctic: A Global Story of Change and Stewardship.

Born out of the Monaco Polar Symposium, organized by the Foundation’s Polar Initiative, this series brings together voices from science, policy and the field to shed light on why polar regions matter far beyond the poles.

As the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting gets underway in Japan, we open the series with Cassandra Brooks, Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

In this first interview, she reflects on the Antarctic Treaty System, the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area, the role of CCAMLR, and what these milestones reveal about our collective capacity to act for peace, science and environmental protection in Antarctica.

Looking ahead to 2050, her message is one of cautious hope: stronger international cooperation, renewed diplomatic momentum, and a thriving network of Southern Ocean Marine Protected Areas.

#PolarInitiative #MonacoPolarSymposium #Antarctica #CCAMLR #IPY5

Shirley BINDER – Marine biologist – Re.Generation Cohort 2025/26

Lefteris ARAPAKIS – Co-founder of Enaleia – Re.Generation Cohort 2025/26

Irina FEDORENKO – Climate finance expert and serial green tech entrepreneur – Re.Generation Cohort 2025/26

Elena MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ – Oceanographer, marine biotechnologist, and blue economy entrepreneur – Re.Generation Cohort 2025/26