Poles of Knowledge: the first National Polar Conference to be held in Rome

The major changes transforming the Arctic, Antarctica, and the so-called Himalayan Third Pole—the planet's largest ice reservoir outside the polar regions—are having an increasingly significant impact on global climate balance, ecosystems, and societies. To examine the role of scientific research in addressing these challenges, the National Research Council (CNR) is promoting and coordinating, in collaboration with ENEA, INGV, and OGS, the conference "Poli di conoscenza: dalle terre estreme alle sfide globali" ("Poles of Knowledge: From Extreme Lands to Global Challenges").

During the conference, scheduled for October 5–7 in Rome (CNR Headquarters, Piazzale Aldo Moro 7), the Italian scientific community will assemble for the first time alongside institutions, stakeholders, and industry leaders to discuss climate, geopolitics, security, innovation, and the governance of these extreme regions. The meeting represents the first step in Italy’s national roadmap toward the 5th International Polar Year (IPY 2032–2033), aimed at strengthening polar research coordination and delivering a shared White Paper to guide and support future national strategies and international initiatives.