The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) went into effect on June 23 1961.

“RECOGNIZING that it is in the best interests of all of mankind that Antarctica shall always continue for ever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes 
and shall never become the scene or object of international discord;”

30th Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty 
Issued by French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) January 1, 1991
Designed and engraved by Pierre Béquet

The original 12 signatories has now expanded to 57 participating countries.