The 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting Opens in Hiroshima
12 May 2026 News
The 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 48) was officially opened today in Hiroshima by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Environment of Japan and by the Mayor of the city. The meeting will continue until 21 May 2026.
The Bulgarian delegation includes representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute. As a full Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1998, Bulgaria actively participates in discussions and decision-making processes related to international legal matters, environmental protection, scientific research and tourism activities in Antarctica.
Within the framework of the 48th Consultative Meeting, the applications of Canada, Belarus and Türkiye for obtaining consultative status under the Treaty will also be considered. The forum brings together representatives of the 58 states party to the Antarctic Treaty, 29 of which hold consultative status and participate in decision-making within the framework of the Meeting.
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Photo caption – from left to right, seated: Prof. Hristo Pimpirev – Bulgarian Antarctic Institute; Danail Chakarov – Head of Delegation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Standing: Velina Valcheva – Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Tsveti Romanska – Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dragomir Mateev – Bulgarian Antarctic Institute; Elena Petrova – Bulgarian Antarctic Institute; Assoc. Prof. Yuri Kuchev – Bulgarian Antarctic Institute