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ICSU Memo on IPY 2007-08

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The year 2007 will mark the 125th anniversary of the First International Polar Year (1882/83), the 75th anniversary of the Second Polar Year (1932/33) and the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (1957/58). These Polar Years and IGY all contributed significantly to new insights into global processes and stimulated intense international collaboration.
The ICSU Executive Board decided in February 2003 to establish a Planning Group for a 4th International Polar Year. The group is chaired by Professor Chris Rapley, British Antarctic Survey. The list of members of the Planning Group is enclosed as well as a document on Proposed Approach and Workplan including ToR for the Planning Group. In deciding to establish this Planning Group, the Executive Board stressed the need for the planning to focus on new and exciting scientific problems that could be addressed through a truly international effort. The scope of the planning must be broad, including both natural and social sciences and both the Arctic and Antarctic. As you will see from the enclosed letter from Professor Rapley, the planning group had its first meeting in July. A progress report will be presented to the ICSU EB in February 2004.
It is important that the planning relies on input from ICSU National Members, Scientific Unions and Interdisciplinary Bodies. Thus, I hope that you will respond to Professor Rapley's letter.
IUGS is planning for a Year of Planet Earth (2004-2007 with focus on 2005) and IUGG is planning activities for IGY+50. It is important that these initiatives are coordinated, and IUGS and IUGG have representatives on the IPY Planning Group to make this possible. In addition, WMO Congress has passed a resolution calling for a 4th IPY. ICSU is in close contact with WMO to ensure complementarity and collaboration.
The ICSU Officers discussed the IPY at their June 2003 meeting and are very excited by the prospects of launching a major new international programme. I hope that you share our enthusiasm.

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Secretariat: Prof. Thomas Rosswall, Executive Director
Officers: Prof. Jane Lubchenco (USA), President • Prof. Goverdhan Mehta (India), President-Elect • Prof. Hiroyuki Yoshikawa (Japan), Past President
Prof. David Parry (New Zealand), Vice-President for Scientific Planning and Review • Prof. Peter Tyson (South Africa), Vice-President for External Relations
Prof. Ana Maria Cetto (Mexico), Secretary General • Prof. Roger Elliott (UK), Treasurer