The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are partnering together to establish a major initiative aimed at protecting glaciers and ice sheets, which are the primary sources of freshwater for over two billion people worldwide. This comes as an urgent response to the fact that approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater is held in these glaciers and ice sheets, and their rapid deterioration represents not only an environmental catastrophe but also a humanitarian crisis.

In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant decrease in glacier volume. Back in 2023, glaciers underwent a substantial water loss, with countries like Switzerland losing 10% of its total glacier mass. This rapid loss of glaciers is ringing alarm bells across the globe and necessitates an immediate call to action.

The newly launched initiative strives to raise public awareness of the crucial role glaciers, snow, and ice play in regulating climate, supporting ecosystems, and reinforcing policy frameworks. In addition, the initiative works towards the reinforcement of policy infrastructure to better protect these vital natural resources.

In order to further amplify the importance of this cause, the first World Glacier Day will be celebrated on 21st March 2025, followed closely by an International Glacier Preservation Conference to be held in Tajikistan. The United Nations General Assembly has also announced 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation to draw attention to the impacts of rapid glacial melt.

This international initiative has garnered the support of over 75 international organizations and 35 countries, all committed to combating the rapid loss of glaciers. As part of this effort, UNESCO will dedicate its World Water Report to the pressing issue of glaciers’ preservation, highlighting the urgency of the situation at hand.

The International Year of Glacier Preservation 2025 will concentrate on expanding global glacier monitoring systems, developing early warning systems, promoting sustainable water management, preserving cultural heritage, and engaging the youth in climate action. These multi-faceted efforts are designed to protect our glaciers, safeguard our freshwater resources, and ensure a sustainable future for the generations to come.

In the face of a rapidly changing climate, international collaboration is indispensable. The joint initiative by UNESCO and WMO demonstrates the global unity required to tackle the monumental task of preserving our glaciers and ice sheets.

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