|
IPY celebration - 25 February 2009
Two years on from the official launch of the International Polar
Year 2007-2008 (IPY), ICSU and the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) hosted a celebration in Geneva, Switzerland, on 25 February
2009.
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
| |
Ice
Arch
© BAS |
|
|
| The IPY, a joint initiative of ICSU and WMO, has
been an intensive burst of interdisciplinary, scientific research
and observations focused on the polar regions. Thousands of scientists
from around the world have been involved in more than 160 research
projects, which have significantly advanced our understanding of
the nature and behaviour of the polar regions and their role in
the functioning of the planet.
To celebrate the success of the IPY and release the State
of Polar Research, an eight page report outlining the preliminary
findings of the IPY, a special ceremony was held at WMO headquarters
in Geneva on 25 February. This was preceded by a press conference
at the Palais des Nations.
Our Polar heritage, a photographic exhibition of scientists
at work in the polar regions, was opened on 24 February at the Palais
de Nations.
Programme
24 February
18.30: Opening of Our Polar
Heritage photographic exhibition, Palais des Nations
25 February
11.00: Press conference, Palais des Nations
Speakers: Deliang Chen, Executive Direcor of ICSU; Michel Jarraud,
Secretary-General of WMO; Dave Carlson, Director IPY International
Programme Office; and Ian Allison and Michel Beland, Co-Chairs
of the IPY 2007-2008 Joint Committee.
15.30-17.00: Ceremony and launch of the State of Polar Research
report, WMO headquarters
The ceremony Includes a performance by Inuit singers from Canada,
a message from Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and a film presented
by the International Polar Foundation.
Presentations will include:
- Addresses by Catherine Bréchignac
 ,
President of ICSU, and Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of
WMO
- David Carlson, Director IPY International Programme Office,
‘The Breadth of IPY Science’
- Michel Beland, Co-Chair of the IPY Joint Committee, ‘Continued
Urgencies for Polar Science'
- Ian Allison, Co-Chair of the IPY Joint Committee, ‘Steps
Forward for Polar Research’
17.00-19.30: Reception at Attic restaurant, WMO headquarters
For more information
- Media advisory (06/02/09) and contact details
- IPY activities (national and international) throughout February
and March
|
