Polar Regions Coordination Council established: Published in the Official Gazette

A circular published in the Official Gazette bearing the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the establishment of such a council with the aim of enhancing Turkey's strategic presence in the polar regions. The circular noted that the geopolitical, economic, and environmental significance of the polar regions is steadily growing, and that the melting of glaciers in these areas has direct effects on global climate change, sea levels, the natural balance, energy resources, and trade routes.

The text pointed to innovation in science and technology as a cornerstone of Turkey's 2053 vision, and emphasized that strengthening the country's international standing in the polar regions in line with the National Polar Science Strategy (2023–2035) objectives is critical.

7 MINISTRIES PROVIDING SUPPORT

The council was formed under the chairmanship of the Minister of Industry and Technology, with the participation of the relevant deputy ministers from the Ministries of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change; Foreign Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; National Defence; Agriculture and Forestry; Trade; and Transport and Infrastructure, as well as the President of TÜBİTAK and the Director of the TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute.

COUNCIL TO MEET AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR

The council will convene at least once a year, though extraordinary meetings may be held at the call of the chairperson when deemed necessary. In addition, sub-commissions and working groups may also be established.

Universities, civil society organisations, and private sector representatives will be able to be invited to the meetings of the council, whose secretariat duties will be carried out by TÜBİTAK. All relevant institutions and organisations are expected to cooperate in implementing the decisions taken by the council.