Massimo Dell’Utri, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, represented Italy at the Arctic Circle Assembly 2026—the largest network for international dialogue and cooperation regarding the future of the Arctic—held in Reykjavik from October 8 to 10. Each year, the Arctic Circle brings together over 2,000 participants from more than 60 countries, including heads of government, ministers, parliamentarians, indigenous community representatives, officials, experts, scientists, business leaders, and activists dedicated to issues concerning climate change and scientific research in the Arctic region.
Accompanied by Andrea Cavallari, Italy’s Ambassador to Norway and Iceland, and Agostino Pinna, the Ministry’s Special Envoy for the Arctic, Dell’Utri addressed the plenary session, highlighting Italy’s commitment to the Arctic region. The Vice Minister emphasized the importance of dialogue and international cooperation in addressing the transformations affecting the Arctic, underscoring Italy’s interest in actively contributing to the debate through its scientific, technological, economic, and diplomatic expertise. He showcased Italy’s engagement in the region by outlining the key pillars of the Italian Arctic Strategy, which aims to strengthen the country’s role through an integrated approach combining security, scientific research, environmental protection, international cooperation, and sustainable economic opportunities.
He also highlighted the Arctic Circle Rome Forum – Polar Dialogue, held in Rome on March 3–4, 2026. This platform for science diplomacy and international cooperation enabled Italy to strengthen its role in Arctic and polar affairs by fostering dialogue among institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, and civil society regarding climate change, research, security, sustainability, and emerging geopolitical dynamics. Italy’s active engagement was further demonstrated by the inaugural National Polar Conference 2026, organized by the CNR in collaboration with ENEA, INGV, and OGS. Held in Rome this past October 5–7, the event brought together—for the first time—the Italian scientific community focused on the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the “Third Pole”. Participants discussed climate change, the cryosphere, biodiversity, innovation, and geopolitics, while also outlining a White Paper to guide future national strategies and preparations for the International Polar Year 2032–33.
The extensive Arctic Circle program also featured the participation of various Italian bodies and institutions active in the Arctic region; these entities organized several scientific panel discussions, including the CNR’s Institute of Polar Sciences, the Arctic Observatory, OGS, the Institute of International Affairs (IAI), the University School for Advanced Studies (IUSS) Pavia, and Eurac Research in Bolzano. For its part, the Ministry of Defence organized a panel focusing on the Defence sector’s contribution to scientific research in polar regions.
Finally, Vice Minister Dell’Utri and Ambassador Cavallari inaugurated the “Looking Beyond” exhibition, featuring 16 stunning high-resolution satellite images captured by the COSMO-SkyMed constellation and sourced from the archives of Telespazio/e-Geos and the Italian Space Agency. Launched in the presence of Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Special Envoy and Chair of the Polar Dialogue, the exhibition aims to showcase Italian Earth observation technology and prompt reflection on the environmental impact of human activity, as well as the role of satellite technology in addressing global challenges such as melting ice, deforestation, desertification, and pollution. Artist Emilia Telese provided valuable assistance in setting up the exhibition. Following the event, Undersecretary Dell’Utri met with the Honorary Consul General of Italy in Iceland, Rósa Björg Jónsdóttir, representatives of Com.It.Es. in Iceland, and volcanologist Sara Barsotti. The meeting focused on the situation of Italian nationals in Iceland and the needs of the Italian community.
