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World Water Day was celebrated across the globe on 22 March 2025, with a focus on the crucial issue of glacier preservation. Since its inception in 1993, World Water Day has served as a key occasion to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of water resources. The observance, coordinated by the United Nations, also advocates for ensuring water and sanitation access for all by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.

This year’s theme, "Glacier Preservation," draws attention to the role glaciers play as essential freshwater reserves. UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization, the UN lead agencies for the event, highlighted the increasing threats posed by climate change to these vital water sources.

The Importance of Glaciers in the Water Cycle

Glaciers are often referred to as the "water towers" of the world, as they store nearly two-thirds of Earth's freshwater. These frozen reserves gradually release meltwater that supports drinking water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems, while also contributing to climate regulation.

However, as global temperatures continue to rise, glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate, endangering the availability of freshwater for millions of people. The 2025 United Nations World Water Development Report (WWDR) emphasizes the vulnerability of mountain water systems, particularly those reliant on glaciers. It warns that the retreat of glaciers, along with decreasing snow cover and thawing permafrost, is causing unpredictable changes in water flow patterns, which could further exacerbate water scarcity in affected regions.

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