Antarctica InSync Featured in High-Level Ceremony
On 8 June 2025, a high-level ceremony was held in Nice, France, as part of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) to mark the official launch of the UN-designated Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034). This historic event was co-presided by President Emmanuel Macron and UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, and attended by heads of state, UN representatives, and leading scientists.
Hosted in the Pavillon de la Cryosphère (Green Zone), the launch showcased the importance of cryospheric research through scientific exhibits, Indigenous perspectives, and immersive storytelling, creating a space to engage audiences beyond the formal negotiations. Among the highlighted topics was the need for synchronous, circumpolar Antarctic research—a central ambition of Antarctica InSync.
Picture 1. President Emmanuel Macron inaugurating the Official Launch of the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (Copyrights Esther Horvath)
Several events throughout the conference explored the goals and opportunities of international collaboration in polar science. Antarctica InSync was repeatedly acknowledged as a key initiative contributing to the objectives of the Decade, as well as to the planning of the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY5).
Picture 2. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and Antje Boetius (Chair, Antarctica InSync Steering Board) at the event. (Copyrights Esther Horvath)
The UN General Assembly had formally proclaimed the Decade in August 2024, following a resolution co-sponsored by France and Tajikistan. The launch event served as a pivotal moment to draw global attention to the rapidly changing cryosphere, including glaciers, sea ice, snow cover, and permafrost, and to mobilize an international coalition for research, monitoring, education, and adaptation.
With its vision for year-round, circumpolar, and synchronized observations, Antarctica InSync remains committed to supporting the UN Decade of Action and fostering collective progress in understanding and protecting the cryosphere.
Picture 3. Antje Boetius (Chair, Antarctica InSync Steering Board) attending during the Official Launch of the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences. (Copyrights Esther Horvath)
