Water is the foundation of life, yet millions worldwide face challenges in accessing clean and safe water. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable water management, World Water Day is observed annually on March 22, raising awareness and encouraging action to protect global water resources.
Theme for 2025: Glacier Preservation
This year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” underscores the critical role glaciers play in maintaining freshwater supplies and highlights the growing threat posed by climate change.
The event will be marked by a high-level global gathering, co-organized by the permanent missions of Tajikistan, Barbados, Peru, Senegal, Singapore, Switzerland, and the UAE, in collaboration with UNESCO, WMO, UNDESA, UN-Water, IAEA, IUCN, and UNU-INWEH.
❄️Glaciers store 70% of Earth’s freshwater, but they’re melting fast.
Their retreat is reshaping water supplies, ecosystems, and communities worldwide.💧Join us for #WorldWaterDay & #WorldGlaciersDay to learn why #GlacierPreservation matters.
🔗 https://t.co/JeZs0DLzXS pic.twitter.com/yh0iyo5fpg
— UN-Water (@UN_Water) March 19, 2025
History of World Water Day
World Water Day was first proposed at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.
The UN General Assembly officially designated March 22 as World Water Day in 1993 to emphasize the importance of freshwater and sustainable water management. Since then, the annual event has focused on different aspects of global water security.
The observance serves as a global call to action, urging governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize water conservation.
With billions lacking access to clean water and many regions facing scarcity due to rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and climate change, the need for sustainable water management has never been greater.
UN-Water Development Report 2025
As part of the observance, UN-Water will release its flagship report, titled “Water Towers: Mountains and Glaciers,” which will cover:
- The role of mountain water sources and glaciers in sustaining the world’s water supply.
- The impact of glacial retreat due to climate change.
- Strategies for mitigating water crises and protecting frozen water reserves.
World Water Day 2025 serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to safeguard our water resources, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
