UNESCO, WMO launch International Year of Glaciers' Preservation 2025

UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announce official launch of the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, “marking a crucial milestone in global efforts to protect the vital ice that provides freshwater to over 2 billion people,” UNESCO press center reported.

According to UNESCO, throughout the year this global initiative will seek to “highlight about the critical role of glaciers and address the urgent challenges posed by accelerated glacier melt.”

“Almost 70% of the global freshwater is stored in glaciers and ice sheets, however these ice formations are rapidly retreating due to climate disruption. Preserving these crucial resources is essential for environmental sustainability, economic stability and safeguarding cultures and livelihoods,” UNESCO says.

Year 2025 was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation to raise people’s awareness about crucial role of glaciers, snow and ice in the climate system and water cycle, and the far-reaching impacts of rapid glacial melt.

The first World Day for Glaciers will be celebrated at the UNESCO’s Headquarters in Paris on March 20-21.