The presentations were followed by a discussion panel moderated by Ona Ambroizaite of the JHU Science Diplomacy Hub. International cooperation in the polar regions and potential threats arising from the current geopolitical situation were the main topics of the panel. The panelists discussed the role that international interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, policymakers and local communities can plan in improving decision-making process to share data and promote sustainable policies locally and globally.

Scientific diplomacy in polar regions is an indispensable element of international scientific cooperation, which is becoming increasingly important in the context of global tensions, such as for example Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Polar and climate research is inherently international and requires alliance of many countries. Maintaining and advancing scientific cooperation despite political conflicts is crucial to global efforts to protect the environment, advance science, and to promote world peace and stability. Science diplomacy bridges the gap between nations and scientists, enabling important research and activities to continue for the common good.

The next day, our polar explorer was invited by Marek Walkuski, a Polish Radio correspondent who leads the ‘White House Foreign Press Group’ and author of books about America to discover the ‘Nooks and Crannies of the White House’.