The 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM48) to be Convened in Hiroshima, Japan

 <Joint Announcement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan>
 
1. The Forty-eighth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM48) will be held in Hiroshima City, Japan, from May 11 to 21, 2026. This will mark the first time in 32 years that Japan has hosted the meeting, following the previous hosting in 1994.
 
2. As an original signatory to the Antarctic Treaty and a Consultative Party, Japan has actively contributed to discussions concerning the protection and management of Antarctica. At ATCM48, discussions are expected to focus on ensuring transparency in activities conducted in Antarctica, addressing the recent increase in Antarctic tourism, and the impacts of climate change on the Antarctic region, with a view to further strengthening the Antarctic Treaty System in a forward-looking manner.
 
3. Press conferences are scheduled to take place on the morning of May 12, 2026, following the opening of the meeting, and on the evening of May 21,　2026, after the meeting concludes. Members of the press wishing to cover the meeting are requested to refer to the information below and apply for accreditation in advance.
 
　　　- Application for Press Accreditation for the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM48)
　　　(Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website)
　　　https://www.mofa.go.jp/ic/ge/pagewe_000001_00359.html
 
 Please refer to the attached document for further details.