NORDUnet and the National Institute of Informatics (NII) of Japan have today released a joint statement stressing commitment to support the Polar Connect initiative.
NORDUnet have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with our long-standing Japanese partner, the National Institute of Informatics (NII), reaffirming our shared commitment to Polar Connect and to strengthening resilient digital connectivity between Europe and Asia. The MoU was signed in Tokyo by Dr. Kento Aida, Vice Director-General if NII, and Valter Nordh, CEO of NORDUnet.
The MoU reflects many years of close collaboration between NORDUnet and NII/SINET in support of Asia-Europe network connectivity, including through initiatives such as the Asia-Pacific Europe Ring (AER). With Polar Connect, this collaboration takes on a new strategic dimension, focusing on future-proof, secure and sovereign connectivity via the Arctic.
The agreement follows a similar MoU signed with Portugal’s FCT in October 2024, underscoring the growing international momentum behind Polar Connect and its role as a next-generation digital gateway between continents.
Together with partners in Europe and Asia, NORDUnet and NII will continue to support Polar Connect as a critical piece of global research and education infrastructure — enabling collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing across borders.
See the full text of the joint statement below.
