Theme World Water Day 2025 is ‘Glacier Preservation’

In 2025, the theme of World Water Day is ‘Glacier Preservation’. On the 22nd of March, the focus will be on the critical role glaciers play in global water systems and the urgent need to address their rapid decline due to climate change. World Water Day is organised every year on the 22nd of March by UN Water.

During World Water Day many events are taking place globally to create awareness. Last year the theme was Leveraging water for peace to highlight that water governance is key for peace. More information about this year’s theme will be made available on the website of UN-Water shortly.

World Day of Glaciers

The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, with March 21 recognized as the World Day for Glaciers. These observances aim to raise global awareness about the essential functions of glaciers in the climate system and hydrological cycle, and to highlight the economic, social, and environmental impacts resulting from their accelerated melting.

Long-term freshwater reserves

Glaciers serve as long-term freshwater reserves, supporting ecosystems and human communities worldwide. Their rapid retreat threatens water availability, agriculture, and increases the risk of natural disasters such as floods and landslides. The International Year of Glacier Preservation seeks to promote sustainable measures for glacier conservation, encourage transboundary cooperation, and enhance scientific understanding of glacier dynamics.

Developing access to data on glaciers

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are collaborating to organize activities throughout 2025. These initiatives include establishing an information system on all frozen water on earth (cryosphere) and developing strategies to facilitate access to accurate and timely data on glaciers.

Climate effects

The cryosphere plays a critical role in Earth’s climate system by reflecting sunlight (albedo effect), regulating temperatures, and contributing to global sea levels when ice melts. Changes in the cryosphere, particularly due to climate change, have significant implications for ecosystems, sea level rise, and human societies.