Saint Petersburg. On June 17, a roundtable of the Russian-Asian Consortium for Arctic Research (RACAR) was held at the Russian State Hydrometeorological University, dedicated to planning the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY), which will take place in 2032-2033.
The event, attended by representatives of scientific and educational institutions, discussed Russia's experience in previous IPYs. RACAR members, as well as partners of the Northern Forum, discussed potential projects to form a common "roadmap" for preparing for IPY-5. The projects proposed by the roundtable participants concerned not only the Arctic region but also the possibility of including the "third pole" (mountainous areas) on the agenda, involving Asian partners in joint research within the framework of RACAR member interaction. Participants emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to polar research, including not only geophysics but also sociological aspects and biosphere studies as part of the "Interpole" concept for international cooperation.
RACAR continues to expand, attracting new participants, including those from China, India, and Indonesia. Following the roundtable, a protocol with proposals will be compiled, which will form the basis for further planning and ensuring Russia's key role in conducting IPY-5. RACAR projects are expected to be presented at the VI Northern Forum Sustainable Development in Yakutsk this autumn.
