UAE Attends the 47th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings in Milan, Italy After Acceding the Antarctic Treaty in December 2024
The UAE delegation, headed by H.E. Abdalla Balalaa, Deputy Chair of the Emirates Polar Program and Assistant Foreign Minister for Energy and Sustainability Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the 47th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM) in Milan, Italy for the first time after acceding the Antarctic Treaty in December 2024. The delegation additionally included representatives from the Emirates Polar Program and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting is the key platform for decision-making on Antarctic matters. All parties gather annually to address critical issues and policies concerning Antarctica, and to present information and working papers on scientific research being conducted on the continent. The ATCM shapes Antarctica’s future through mandating clean energy sources to power research stations.
As a Non-Consultative Party, the United Arab Emirates participated in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, alongside over 400 delegates, 29 Consultative Parties, 28 Non-Consultative Parties, Observers, and invited Experts. Held in Milan, Italy, from 23 June to 3 July 2025, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting takes place annually “for the purpose of exchanging information, consulting together on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica and formulating, considering and recommending to their Governments measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty”
Following the United Arab Emirate’s first participation, H.E. Abdalla Balalaa emphasized the significance and importance of the ATCM, stating “We are honored to be joining the 47th ATCM for the first time as a new Non-Consultative Party. We look forward to being proactive in preserving the Cryosphere through science, innovation, and collaboration”. Through national initiatives like the Emirates Polar Program, the United Arab Emirates remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge, global cooperation, and the promotion of environmental stewardship.
As the UAE advances its commitments to environmental stewardship, global climate action, and science diplomacy, the next crucial step for the country, is the signing of the Environmental Protocol – a comprehensive international agreement, that is part of the wider Antarctic Treaty. The Protocol is designed to protect the natural ecosystems of Antarctica, promote sustainable development, and ensure responsible use and management of resources on the Southern continent of Antarctica.
