Recent climate change, particularly the reduction of sea ice, has had a profound impact on the Arctic Ocean’s ecosystem and indigenous communities. At the same time, these changes are re-shaping the course of resource development in the Arctic region.

Accordingly, initiatives in the Arctic Ocean must address not only the environmental and developmental balance under international cooperation, but also the growing diplomatic and security significance of the region.

Japan and Norway have a long history of collaboration in Arctic research and marine policy, as exemplified by the International Northern Sea Route Programme (INSROP/JANSROP) of the 1990s. In today’s era of heightened geopolitical tension, joint efforts by our two countries, grounded in accumulated knowledge and experience, are expected to contribute to the stability and sustainable development of the Arctic Ocean.

Against this backdrop, the forthcoming Ocean Forum will also commemorate the 120th anniversary of Japan–Norway diplomatic relations. Policy officials and researchers from both countries will be invited to present the latest developments, including Norway’s large-scale research program Arctic Ocean 2050, and to discuss the shared directions Japan and Norway should pursue in the Arctic.

If you would like to participate, please apply from this page by 23:59 on Wednesday, October 29.
For those who wish to participate online, we will inform you of the URL in the application reception email.

*After applying, you will receive a temporary registration confirmation email, so please click the registration completion URL in the email to complete your registration. Due to the large number of inquiries due to incomplete registration, we ask that you proceed with the registration procedure to the end.

*If you do not receive the temporary registration confirmation email, the email from spfpr@spf.or.jp may be in your spam folder.

* Personal information received from everyone at the time of application will be used to guide you to seminars, lectures, etc. sponsored or supported by our foundation.

*Please note that the event program and speakers are subject to change.