The Planning Group for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY‑5) has published an updated concept note in November 2024, setting out the framework for the upcoming global science campaign scheduled for 2032–33. Building on the legacy of previous Polar Years, the note highlights the importance of coordinated international action to address the accelerating changes in the Arctic, Antarctic, and high mountain regions.
The updated concept note outlines key priorities for IPY‑5, including strengthening interdisciplinary research, integrating Indigenous knowledge, and ensuring meaningful participation of early‑career scientists. It also emphasizes the need to align polar research with global agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
“IPY‑5 must deliver step changes in polar knowledge, strengthen science systems, and provide societal and policy impacts worldwide.”
The Planning Group stressed that IPY‑5 will not only advance scientific understanding but also serve as a platform for collaboration across nations, disciplines, and communities. The updated note calls for enhanced funding strategies, capacity‑building initiatives, and mechanisms to ensure that research outcomes are translated into actionable policy insights.
The concept note also highlights the importance of communication and outreach, ensuring that the significance of polar science is visible to the public and policymakers alike. By framing IPY‑5 as both a scientific and societal endeavor, the Planning Group aims to mobilize broad support and engagement in the years leading up to 2032.
