The Consultative Meeting, opened on May 23, 2017 and held until June 1, 2017, is a decision-making body of the State Parties to the Antarctic Treaty which takes place once a year in one of the Consultative States Parties. The Consultative Meeting adopts measures and recommendations on diverse topics regarding Antarctica such as scientific cooperation, air security, protection of environment and historical objects, exercise of jurisdiction and regulation of tourism.

Czechoslovakia became State Party to the Antarctic Treaty already in 1962. The Czech Republic was granted the consultative status which is a higher institutional status that entitles it to vote at the Consultative Meetings and to jointly take part in decisions on the future of this continent together with other 28 States, effective as of April 1, 2014. The necessary conditions for obtaining the consultative status were the establishment of the Czech research polar station Johann Gregor Mendel and continuous substantial scientific research activities. The Czech scientists are thus conducting scientific research in Antarctica which enjoys an international recognition. The Czech Republic will also host the Consultative Meeting in 2019.