New York, 2 January 2025
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in collaboration with UNESCO, is leading efforts for the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 (IYGP 2025). Established by UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution A/RES/77/158, adopted in December 2022 during the 77th UNGA, this initiative also designates 21 March as the annual World Day for Glaciers, starting in 2025. Through these efforts, WMO and UNESCO aim to raise awareness about the vital role glaciers, snow, and ice play in the climate system and hydrological cycle, as well as the far-reaching impacts of rapid glacial melt.
IYGP 2025 focuses on raising awareness, advocating for policy change, and facilitating actionable, sustainable measures to preserve glaciers. This international year is part of a larger effort to gather global support, promote research, and improve access to cryosphere data, aiming to mitigate the consequences of rapid glacier melting. WMO and UNESCO invite WMO Members, other UN agencies, and scientific organizations to support the initiative.
Official website of the IYGP 2025:
Objectives
- Mobilizing global efforts to prevent further melting of glaciers, preserve their ecosystem functions, and ensure sustainable use of water resources
- Raising awareness
- Fostering collaboration
- Advocating for action
- Enhancing scientific understanding
- Strengthening policy frameworks and financial support
More useful links
Source – WMO