The first-ever World Day for Glaciers, held on 20-21 March at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, marked a significant milestone in the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP 2025). Co-organised by UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), with the support of various participating nations, the event brought together world leaders, scientists, policymakers, and civil society to address the urgent need to protect glaciers and secure freshwater resources for future generations.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 highlights the alarming rate at which glaciers are melting due to climate change. These ice formations, which provide freshwater to over 2 billion people, are retreating at an unprecedented pace, threatening global water security, biodiversity, and disaster resilience.
In August 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution to declare the period from 2025 to 2034 as the “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences.” Championed by the Republic of France and the Republic of Tajikistan, and supported by a coalition of nations, this initiative emphasises the urgent need for international scientific collaboration to mitigate the far-reaching effects of cryospheric changes on ecosystems, water security, and global climate stability.
UNESCO and WMO, as the lead agencies coordinating these international efforts, were supported by over 75 international organisations and 35 countries. WMO hosted the official launch event at its Geneva headquarters on 21 January, followed by UNESCO’s hosting of the first World Day for Glaciers on 20-21 March in Paris.
High-Level Opening Ceremony in Paris
The high-level opening ceremony on 21 March featured addresses from prominent global leaders. Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, delivered the opening address, followed by Ms. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO, who addressed the gathering remotely.
Mr. Rahim Saidzod, Minister of Education and Sciences, Tajikistan, and Ms. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Ecological Transition, France, also shared key insights in their ministerial addresses, highlighting the importance of glacier preservation and water security.
The Master of Ceremony(MoC) was Ms. Anupama Madhok Sud, a Science Journalist who is also the Director and Editor of Water Digest.
Key Sessions and Discussions
Following the opening ceremony, two major sessions were featured:
- Towards the Decade of Action on Cryospheric Science – Moderated by Ms. Lidia Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences.
- World Water and Glacier Day High-Level Roundtable – Moderated by Mr. Anil Mishra, Chief of the Section on Hydrological Systems, Climate Change, and Adaptation, UNESCO Water Science.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the 2025 World Water Development Report, themed “High Mountains and Glaciers.” The report offers crucial insights into the role of glaciers in sustaining water supplies and maintaining ecosystem stability. It provides data-driven recommendations to guide global water management and adaptation strategies.
Side Events and Exhibition
In addition to the main sessions, several side events and parallel discussions were organised over the two days, fostering dialogue on glacier preservation and climate adaptation strategies. An exhibition on glaciers was also set up in the hallway, showcasing interactive displays. This exhibition remained open on both 20 and 21 March, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the impact of glacial retreat and the importance of conservation efforts.
Brainstorming Session on the Decade of Action
A dedicated brainstorming session during the celebrations in Paris brought together policymakers, scientists, and civil society to outline the priorities for the Decade of Action. This session aimed to identify innovative research approaches, foster cross-border partnerships, and strengthen the integration of cryospheric science into global climate adaptation strategies. With UNESCO serving as the coordinating agency, the session emphasised the critical role of glaciers and the cryosphere in regulating freshwater resources.
This decade-long initiative builds on the momentum created by the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and will serve as a launchpad for the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences. It will lay the foundation for global cooperation on research, monitoring, and data-sharing, helping to predict the consequences of cryospheric changes on water resources, sea levels, and ecosystems.
The joint celebration of World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day reaffirmed the urgent need for global collaboration to address the accelerating impacts of climate change on freshwater resources. The insights and commitments made during the event will shape the course of international water governance and cryosphere conservation in the coming decade.
Picture Courtesy: ©️ UNESCO/Marie ETCHEGOYEN
