ICIMOD at the Arctic Circle Rome Forum

Background

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) will join global leaders, scientists, and policymakers in Rome, Italy, for the Arctic Circle Rome Forum – Polar Dialogue taking place on 3-4 March 2026.

Organised by the Arctic Circle together with the Italian government’s largest scientific and technological research council; the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche or National Research Council of Italy (CNR) this major international conference will discuss shared critical issues regarding the Arctic and other polar region – focusing on research, diplomacy, security, and climate change.

The Forum is an opportunity for the international community to engage in dialogue, focusing on science, diplomacy, security, education and research – the main themes of the panels and open discussions: in today’s world science has to become a form of diplomacy; building trust; fostering dialogue and guiding action on climate, resilience, security and sustainability.

Key aspects of the Arctic Circle Rome Forum:

• Focus areas: The forum addresses climate change, environmental shifts, polar oceans, ice, ecosystems, and sustainable development, with a specific, broadened focus to include Antarctica and the Third Pole.
• Event structure: The forum includes high-level plenary sessions, roundtable discussions, and working group sessions.
• Organisers: The event is organised by the Arctic Circle in association with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), CNR, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italy.

This gathering acts as a platform for dialogue among academia, government, and Indigenous communities, aimed at fostering action on rapid environmental changes.

ICIMOD will join stakeholders to share, discuss, and develop understanding and solutions to common regional issues confronting the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and the Arctic region.

Moderator: Giuliana Panieri, Director, Institute of Polar Sciences – National Research Council of Italy (CNR-ISP)

Learn more about the Arctic Circle Forum in Rome, Italy, click: https://www.arcticcircle.org/forums/arctic-circle-rome-forum