Former Australian prime minister bound for Antarctica with Ponant

Le Cercle Polaire (The Arctic Circle) is a non-governmental organisation whose aim is to expand global awareness of the fragility of the polar environments and the urgent need to protect them.

Laurent Mayet, the founding president of Le Cercle Polaire, will accompany Hawke on the voyage that departs Punta Arenas, Chile, on November 17.

Hawke will share his thoughts on the principles of international control over, and management of, the polar environments, through either the reinforcement of existing regulatory frameworks or the introduction of new regulations.

Leading polar cruise specialist Ponant has been committed to ensuring that its activities in the extreme lands of the polar regions are conducted responsibly.

It is a voting member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, organisations founded to advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to polar regions.