Review of the 2026 Polar Symposium

“From Arctic to Antarctic” 

As part of its Polar Initiative, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation co-organised the latest edition of its Polar Symposium “From Arctic to Antarctic”, from 25 to 27 February 2026 at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. The event was held alongside the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), in collaboration with the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, Prince Albert I Foundation.

Held under the theme “Enabling the Legacy: Translating Polar Research into Action”, this 2026 edition brought together, over three days, leading scientists, representatives of international organisations, policymakers, Indigenous representatives and members of civil society to strengthen international scientific cooperation and address the most pressing challenges facing the polar regions.

The opening addresses featured remarks by Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation; Cyril Gomez, Chief Operating Officer of the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, Prince Albert I Foundation; Henry Burgess, President of IASC; and Professor Gary Wilson, President of SCAR.

“Conservation efforts, scientific research, and innovation in the polar regions come at a cost but remain significantly underfunded. We have to make sure that private and philanthropic actors step up because today only 10% of funding comes from these stakeholders. We must ensure that resources are deployed with maximum efficiency, supporting the most scalable, impactful and transformative initiatives. The ambition of the symposium is for us to come together and identify the best pathways for a coordinated action.” Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Throughout the Symposium, panel discussions and workshops identified priority levers to strengthen governance in the polar regions, secure sustainable funding for research, and improve the interface between science and policymaking.

Three working sessions further explored the strategic priorities needed to structure an action plan for the coming decade:

·         Strengthening international scientific collaboration in times of uncertainty;
·         Developing innovative funding models;
·         Accelerating the translation of scientific findings into operational action.

Discussions highlighted the importance of long-term planning, coordinated international efforts, equitable participation of all stakeholders and the integration of Indigenous knowledge into research and conservation strategies.

Among the highlights of the event were an exhibition by photographer John Weller dedicated to the Antarctic under the theme “Peace Through Science”, a presentation of the Tara Polar Station in the Arctic, and artistic performances by Elle Maija Klefstad Bær and OSCAAL.

In their closing remarks, Henry Burgess, President of IASC, and Dr Cassandra Brooks, Chief Officer of SCAR’s Standing Committee on the Antarctic Treaty System, highlighted the importance of the Symposium as a key milestone towards the next International Polar Year (2032-2033). They both reiterated the need to reduce uncertainties affecting the polar regions by advancing inclusive, funding-oriented and practical actions.

The event concluded with an address by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco:

“The challenges facing the poles are systemic and accelerating as we all know. Our response must therefore be coordinated and ambitious in scale. This is particularly important as we look ahead the Fifth International Polar Year.

Monaco stands ready to contribute to this collective effort, through the Polar Initiative, through our partnerships with the scientific community, and through the Polar Donor Roundtable, we seek to help strengthen the continuum from science to funding, and from funding to impact.

Our ambition is clear, to ensure that the Polar Symposium is not only a forum for discussion but a catalyst for a coordinated and fundable action.

Polar regions test our ability to act together in the face of uncertainty. Let us seize this momentum created here to deepen cooperation, to structure partnerships and to prepare ambitious implementable initiatives for the years ahead.”


©Philippe Fitte-FPA2