The Ministry of Universities and Research, represented by Chief of Cabinet Marcella Panucci, represented Italy at the Annual Meeting of the Arctic Circle, the largest network for international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic, held in Reykjavik.
The Arctic Circle is a sort of 'Davos of the Arctic' and brings together over 2,000 participants from more than 60 countries each year, including heads of government, ministers, parliamentarians, representatives of indigenous communities, officials, experts, scientists, entrepreneurs and activists working on issues related to climate change and scientific research in the Arctic region.
Chief of Cabinet Panucci spoke during the plenary session of the assembly, recalling Italy's commitment to the Arctic, which is based on the principles of respect for international law and the sovereignty of the states bordering the region, scientific cooperation, preservation of the culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples, and sustainable economic development that safeguards the environment.
Panucci highlighted Italy's important commitment in the Arctic through bases and research projects and the icebreaker ship 'Laura Bassi', all funded by the Mur. He also announced, together with Arctic Circle Assembly chairman Grimsson, Italy's intention - at Minister Bernini's suggestion - to host a meeting of the Arctic Circle Forum and Polar Dialogue in 2025, high-level international dialogue opportunities hosted by the countries most active in polar activities and dedicated to the cryosphere. This was followed by an in-depth session dedicated to Italian scientific engagement in the Arctic, moderated by the Italian Ambassador to Norway and Iceland, Stefano Nicoletti. The panel was animated by high-level speakers such as the president of the CNR, Maria Chiara Carrozza and the directors of the Hydrographic Institute of the Navy, Rear Admiral Nannini; of Ingv, Massimo Chiappini and Enea, Claudia Brunori.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Italian delegation held meetings at the Icelandic Ministries of University and Research and Environment to discuss issues of common interest to our two countries, and with the chairman of the Arctic Circle, Grimsson. Chief of Cabinet Panucci, Ambassador Nicoletti and the rest of the delegation also met with members of the Italian scientific community active in Iceland and participated in the signing of a bilateral cooperation MoU in the geothermal sector between Italy and Iceland negotiated by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Transition. CNR President Carrozza participated - by delegation of Minister Bernini - in the morning session of the Polar Dialogue.
The mission of the Italian delegation of the Mur and the participation of leading figures of Italian research in the Arctic in the Assembly highlighted our country's significant scientific commitment and attention to a region that is destined to become increasingly important in the international geopolitical framework, as well as in the economic and climate sphere. This is a decades-long commitment guaranteed by the CNR's Arctic base 'Dirigibile Italia', located in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, and the Navy's 'High North' programme aimed at monitoring, mapping and developing research in the Arctic marine sector.
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