65 Years of Antarctic Treaty:
The Antarctic Treaty, which entered into force on 23rd June 1961, marks its 65th anniversary in 2026. As a landmark agreement dedicated to preserving Antarctica for peaceful purposes and scientific research, the treaty remains a unique example of international cooperation.However, its resilience is increasingly being tested by rising geopolitical competition, climate change, and growing interest in Antarctica’s resource potential.The treaty was signed in Washington on 1st December 1959 and officially entered into force on 23rd June 1961, following the highly successful International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58, which saw unprecedented scientific cooperation in Antarctica.Antarctica Day (1st December) commemorates the Antarctic Treaty, which designated the entire region south of 60 degrees south latitude (nearly 10% of the Earth) strictly for peace and scientific research.The landmark treaty effectively froze all territorial claims, banned nuclear weapons, and prohibited radioactive waste disposal on the continent.
