On August 1, 2025, the Antarctic Governance Seminar marked the second initiative led by Program’s early-career scholars inviting Program’s Coordinators from UTAS and KOPRI, its participating researchers and graduate students from Kobe University Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS). This seminar provided a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration, where fresh perspectives and innovative ideas were shared to tackle the emerging challenges facing Antarctica ranging from climate change and environmental protection to shifting geopolitical dynamics.

The event was warmly welcomed by Professor Akiho Shibata, Program’s Main Coordinator, followed by presentations from the early-career scholars – Fumika Iwama, LL.M. Candidate; Ridzanna Abdulgafur, LL.M. Candidate; Anais Vivanco, LL.M. Candidate; and Syed Ashikur Rhaman, Ph.D. Candidate – all at Kobe University GSICS, on topics spanning gender-related issues, Japan’s engagement in the ATCM, the significance of BBNJ, and institutional interplay in Antarctica, respectively. Some LL.M. candidates from the GSICS International Law Department also shared brief introductions of their own research interests.

Our guest speaker, Mr. William Muntean, a long-time American diplomat in Antarctic diplomacy, provided a glimpse into his career and discussed the geopolitical history of the ATS, highlighting how this understanding can guide future actions to maintain Antarctica for peace and science while protecting its unique environment. Program’s participating researchers from UTAS and KOPRI then conveyed their expertise in Antarctic governance, including how their careers began, and provided feedback to early-career scholars. Dr. Anthony Press from UTAS spoke about how his interest in the ATS began, the geopolitical pressures facing the system toward 2050, and potential responses, while also offering insights on early-career scholars’ perspectives. Prof. Elizabeth Leane from UTAS’ humanities department presented her experience regarding Antarctic tourism management and regulation amid the growth and diversification of the industry. She also commented on the research interests of emerging scholars. Finally, Dr. Hyoung Chul Shin from KOPRI discussed “Recent Discourse and Discord in Antarctic Governance” and inspired students to engage in Antarctic governance research.

The discussions throughout the seminar underscored that Antarctic governance is not solely a legal or scientific matter, but an inherently interdisciplinary challenge that demands collaboration across diverse fields. The seminar proved to be an academically enriching and inspiring opportunity to engage with experts from around the world and learn from their experiences in the Antarctic. Beyond the formal sessions, the seminar facilitated meaningful connections that sparked potential avenues for future collaboration and reinforced the belief that cooperative governance is essential in safeguarding Antarctica as a region devoted to peace and science. Gaining these insights, we feel motivated, as early-career scholars, to advance research that contributes to a resilient and cooperative future for Antarctica.

The guest speaker and participants from UTAS and KOPRI enjoying the view from Kobe University campus.

Ridzanna Abdulgafur, LL.M. Candidate
Syed Ashikur Rhaman, Ph.D. Candidate
JSPS Program participating researchers

The kick-off seminar of the JSPS Core-to-Core Program on Antarctic Governance Research (2025–2030) was held on 31 July 2025 at Sophia University, Tokyo. This Program Seminar marked the inaugural gathering of the three main institutional coordinators: Professor Akiho Shibata from Kobe PCRC, Dr. Anthony Press from the University of Tasmania, President Hyoung Chul Shin from the Korean Polar Research Institute. The entire seminar including the introductory explanation by Prof. Shibata on the JSPS Program is now available for public viewing on YouTube.

The keynote was delivered by Mr. William Muntean, who examined the role of transparency obligations in strengthening the legitimacy of the ATS. His presentation emphasized the value of transparency, through information sharing, notifications, and inspections, as a foundation for building trust, improving decision-making, and reinforcing public confidence in Antarctic governance. It was particularly interesting that, drawing a parallel with the modernization of the ATS in the 1980s, Mr. Muntean argued for a second internal renewal of the system to meet today’s governance challenges and public expectations. He stressed the importance of monitoring tools and information exchange reports, noting that increased transparency deters misconduct, making Antarctica “not a safe place to hide things.”

During the panel discussion, Prof. Shibata reflected on the outcomes of the 2025 ATCM in Milan, particularly its discussion on transparency, first, as more participants in the governance; second, as transparency of Antarctic activities through inspection and information exchange; and third, as accountability towards outside world through public availability of meeting documents and more media access. Dr. Press and President Shin addressed the practical implications of implementing transparency -from science and mineral resource discussions to technology use- and stressed the need for capacity-building to strengthen trust and participation. According to President Shin, transparency should be viewed as a practical governance instrument, not merely a normative goal. In response, Mr. Muntean reiterated his call for a second ATS renewal by adding onto existing treaty provisions to address current challenges without undermining the system’s integrity. There was also an active engagement from the floor.

In the afternoon, JSPS Program members held a business meeting. Professor Shibata presented the core objectives of the program, its five-year roadmap, and participation modalities. Following the presentation and after some organizational questions were addressed, coordinators from PCRC, UTAS and KOPRI facilitated introductions among more than 20 participating researchers, who shared their research interests and explored opportunities for collaboration.

Anais Vivanco, LL.M. candidate,
JSPS Program participating researcher