The 25th Arctic Dialogue took place on 3 June 2025 at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Potsdam and focused on international cooperation in polar research, with a particular emphasis on the 5th International Polar Year (IPY 2032/33). Representatives from research, politics, and national and international organisations discussed the scientific, societal and geopolitical dimensions of this major global initiative.

Discussions highlighted the legacy of previous International Polar Years and their importance for international scientific cooperation and science diplomacy. In light of the rapidly changing polar regions, participants underlined the decision to shorten the interval between Polar Years to 25 years. Preparations for the 5th International Polar Year have been underway since 2021 and are internationally coordinated by IASC and SCAR. Within this context, the Arctic Dialogue plays an important role in engaging political decision-makers at the national level.

Arne Riedel and Fenja Kroos represented Ecologic Institute at the dialogue. Arne Riedel presented Ecologic Institute's work on Arctic issues, including the project DynArc – Dynamic Protection and Adaptive Management: Arctic marine protection facing climate change. The project explores new approaches to dynamic marine conservation and adaptive management in the Arctic, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and evolving international governance frameworks.

The programme also featured presentations on AWI's contributions to the planning phase of the 5th International Polar Year, including the projects Antarctica InSync and Arctic Pulse, which aim to establish long-term, internationally coordinated polar observations and emphasise close cooperation with international partners and Indigenous communities.

Since 2013, the Arctic Dialogue has served as an important information exchange forum for strengthening open dialogue between Arctic research and policy in Germany. Initiated by the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), and guided by its German Arctic Office, the forum provides representatives of relevant German federal ministries, agencies research institutions and civil society organisations with an opportunity to exchange on current developments, projects, scientific findings, field experiences and international networks in the region. The German Arctic Office organises meetings twice a year in cooperation with a host ministry or research institution. Ecologic Institute has regularly and actively contributed to the Arctic Dialogue since 2013.