This initiative follows the UN General Assembly's resolution in December 2022, which declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and 21 March each year as World Glacier Day.

“Glacier preservation is not just an environmental issue, but a survival strategy for both people and the planet”, emphasized Dr. Ko Barrett, WMO Deputy Secretary-General during the IYGP launch event.

Over 200 Institutions worldwide have joined forces through dedicated task forces to organize a series of events throughout the year. IYGP 2025 aims to raise awareness, enhance scientific understanding, strengthen policy frameworks, and foster meaningful action for glacier preservation.

GLOMOS is actively involved in two task forces - TF 2: International Conferences, Regional Workshops and Capacity Building, and TF 3: Research and Monitoring Initiatives, and is organizing activities to support this important initiative.

“Compared to the high risks posed by glacier retreat and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in regions like the Hindu Kush Himalaya, current efforts to mitigate risks remain insufficient, characterized by lack of adaptation measures, limited transboundary cooperation, inadequate funding, and short-term planning”, highlighted Dr. Dipesh Chapagain, Senior Research Associate at GLOMOS.

As the world comes together for IYGP 2025, the collective mission is clear: to ensure the long-term preservation of glaciers, vital for the well-being of ecosystems, communities, and the planet as a whole.

See more about the International Year of Glaciers Preservation here