A session organized by the UArctic Chair and the Law Thematic Network at the Arctic Circle India Forum
The UArctic Chair in Arctic Legal Research and Education organized a panel titled "Inter-Polar Conference: A Knowledge Exchange Platform Between the Arctic and the Third Pole (HKH)" at the Arctic Circle India Forum in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025.
The forum, co-hosted by the Arctic Circle and India’s Observer Research Foundation, highlighted Asia’s growing involvement in Arctic affairs. In collaboration with NIEM and the Thematic Network on Arctic Law, the panel previewed themes for the upcoming 2025 Inter-Polar Conference. The conference will focus on the interconnectedness of the cryosphere, communities, and climate change.
The panel emphasized the ecological and geopolitical connections between the Arctic and the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, advocating for a unified, inclusive approach to addressing polar and cryospheric challenges. Speakers emphasized the influence of Arctic changes on South Asia’s climate and vice versa, addressing topics such as climate security, research gaps in the HKH region and the importance of international collaboration. UArctic Chair Kamrul Hossain moderated the session, which featured speakers from leading institutions, including NCPOR, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, ICIMOD, the UiT Arctic University of Norway, and Jindal Global University.