President Boric at the South Pole: A Historic First for Chile

Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M.| January, 2025

 

Image: cooperativa.cl

On January 3, 2025, Chilean President Gabriel Boric made history by becoming the first head of state from the Americas to reach the South Pole. 

This achievement, previously accomplished only by leaders such as Helen Clark, the Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2007, and Jens Stoltenberg, then Prime Minister of Norway in 2011, marks a significant step in Chile's commitment to Antarctica, scientific research, and international cooperation.

Operation Polar Star III

In a historic operation organized by the Chilean Air Force, known as Estrella Polar III, President Boric embarked on a groundbreaking journey to the South Pole. 

The expedition began in Santiago, where the President and his delegation traveled to Punta Arenas, the gateway to Antarctic missions. From there, they boarded a Hercules C-130 aircraft to reach the Chilean Base Conjunta Glaciar Union, located in Antarctic territory. The journey continued with the support of two MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and two DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, which transported the delegation to the U.S. Amundsen-Scott Station at the South Pole, marking a significant milestone in Chile’s Antarctic missions.

Squadron Leader Natalia Henríquez Bravo, first Chilean woman
to pilot a Black Hawk to the South Pole.

 It is important to highlight that the pilots of the two Black Hawk helicopters that transported Chilean President Gabriel Boric and his delegation to the South Pole were Air Force General Hugo Rodriguez Gonzalez, Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force, and Squadron Leader Natalia Henriquez Bravo, who made history by becoming the first Chilean woman to pilot a Black Hawk to the South Pole.

Scientific and Environmental Relevance

Antarctica serves as a unique natural laboratory for studying global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, and geology. Since the establishment of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) in 1963, Chile has played a leading role in Antarctic scientific research. During his visit, President Boric highlighted the importance of fostering international collaboration and Chile's strategic role as a gateway to the White Continent.

Sovereignty and International Cooperation

Gobierno de Chile

Chile's connection to Antarctica has deep historical roots, dating back to 1940 when President Pedro Aguirre Cerda established Chile's territorial claims in the region. However, this relationship extends even further, as history links Chile to the Antarctic region as early as the 16th century when the Spanish epic poet Alonso de Ercilla wrote in La Araucana:

"Chile, fértil provincia y señalada,
en la región antártica famosa,
de remotas naciones respetada
por fuerte, principal y poderosa."

("Chile, a fertile and notable province,
in the famous Antarctic region,
respected by distant nations
for its strength, prominence, and power.")

 

Since its formal claim, Chile has maintained research bases and actively participated in the Antarctic Treaty System, signed in 1959, which promotes peace and scientific cooperation in Antarctica. 

During his visit to the South Pole, President Boric stated on Saturday (04.10.2025) that "Chile reaffirms its sovereign claim over the Antarctic territory," emphasizing the region's importance for the nation and the world.

A Legacy for the Future

President Boric's historic journey to the South Pole symbolizes Chile's renewed commitment to scientific research, environmental protection, and international cooperation. With more than 100 scientific projects underway and a robust network of collaboration with other nations, Chile is poised to lead the exploration and conservation of the world's most remote and fragile continent.

This milestone not only strengthens Chile's position in Antarctica but also inspires future generations to continue exploring and protecting this invaluable heritage of humanity.