Outcomes of the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM48) in Hiroshima, Japan

<Joint Announcement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan>
 
１．The 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM48) was held in Hiroshima, Japan, from May 11 to 21, 2026, marking the first time in 32 years that Japan has hosted the Meeting.

２．More than 400 participants from 44 countries and relevant organizations attended the Meeting, which was chaired by Mr. UYAMA Hideki, Ambassador in charge of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 

３．At the opening ceremony on May 12, Dr. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, TSUJI Kiyoto, State Minister of the Environment of Japan, Mr. MATSUI Kazumi, Mayor of Hiroshima, delivered remarks.　State Minister TSUJI emphasized the importance of multilateral mechanisms, such as the ATCM, continuing to function effectively even under the current global circumstances. He also noted that Annex VI to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty as well as its domestic implementing legislation are currently under deliberation in the Japanese Diet and called upon Parties to expedite its entry into force. The “ATCM48 Host Country Communiqué” was released upon the closure of the meeting.