As the world observes World Water Day on March 22, the spotlight turns to a pressing environmental concern: glacier preservation. This year’s theme, part of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, underscores the critical role glaciers play in sustaining freshwater resources and regulating the Earth’s climate.
World Water Day serves as an annual reminder of the global water crisis and the urgent need to ensure sustainable water management. It also marks the release of the latest edition of the UN World Water Development Report (WWDR), a flagship publication by UN-Water, produced under UNESCO’s coordination through the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP). The 2025 edition of the report is now available online at UN-Water’s official website.
Glaciers are among the most visible indicators of climate change, with their rapid retreat signaling a dire threat to global water security. Their melting accelerates sea level rise, disrupts ecosystems, and threatens the water supply of billions of people. Preserving glaciers is not merely an effort to protect majestic landscapes—it is an urgent necessity for safeguarding freshwater availability and climate resilience.
As part of UNESCO’s Natural Sciences sector, addressing water-related challenges remains at the core of our mission. Let this occasion be a catalyst for deeper engagement and actionable solutions toward glacier preservation and water sustainability.
By committing to Sustainable Development Goal 6—ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all—we take meaningful steps toward securing the future of one of Earth’s most precious resources.
Let’s continue our dedication to this cause, recognizing that water is not just a resource but a lifeline for all.