Norway and Japan strengthen polar cooperation

On Monday, the Norwegian Polar Institute signed a renewed agreement on strengthened research collaboration with the Japanese National Institute of Polar Research.

The signing took place during a seminar in Tokyo, organized by Arctic Frontiers and the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo, with a large Norwegian delegation present, the institute states in a press release.

The starting point for the seminar is the more than 120-year-long cooperation between Japan and Norway, and how to facilitate further cooperation on solutions to global challenges, with the Arctic in focus.

"The agreement we have now signed underlines our common foundation for further research in the polar regions and formalizes a long and valuable collaboration within logistics and research in both the Arctic and Antarctic," says Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute, Camilla Brekke.

Among the guests who attended the signing was His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway.

"The Arctic and the oceans are important elements in Norway's relations with Japan. Our cooperation on Arctic issues goes back several decades. Japan's research presence in Ny-Ålesund on Svalbard was established in 1991, and our academic institutions have collaborated closely on polar and ocean research for several decades, said Crown Prince Haakon in his speech.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) has nominated Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (R) as the new Commissioner of the United States Arctic Research Commission (USARC).

The Commission is an independent federal agency that advises the President and Congress on U.S. research activities in the Arctic.

"The Commission is pleased to welcome Governor Dunleavy," said Thomas E. Dans, Director of USARC, in a press release.

He added that Alaska plays a central role in the nation's Arctic research efforts.

"The Governor's perspective and experience will contribute to the Commission's work to advise the President and Congress on Arctic research priorities and promote collaboration between the federal government, the State of Alaska, and Arctic communities."

At the same time, USARC thanks outgoing Commissioner Deborah Vo for her work in advancing Arctic research priorities and engaging with Arctic communities.

Enhanced Canadian-Norwegian cooperation is being rolled out in new areas following Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney's (Liberal) visit to Norway in mid-March.

Now the countries are aiming for increased cooperation in the field of research, not least when it comes to Arctic research.

This is stated in a new joint statement, launched in connection with the visit of the Norwegian Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Aasland (Labour) to Canada this week.

"We live in turbulent times and Canada is among our most important allies. Quantum technology, AI and Arctic research are crucial for both security and competitiveness, and are areas where we want even closer cooperation with Canada", says Aasland.

This year's sea ice maximum is set to be the second lowest since satellite measurements began, only to be turned off in 2025, reports the Bjerknes Center for Climate Research.

Since 1979, satellites have been monitoring sea ice in the Arctic and measuring how extensive the ice has been at its greatest extent. In their first year, the measurements showed an extent of over 16.5 million square kilometers of sea ice, from the first measurement until this year the ice has been reduced by a full 1.5 million square kilometers.

Only 2018 and 2025 have had similar low values ​​at this time of year.