Established by the UN in 1993, World Water Day is observed annually to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable water management. This day encourages individuals, organizations and governments to take action in addressing global water challenges, from water conservation and sanitation to climate resilience and ecosystem restoration. According to the agency, 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water.

World Water Day 2025 will be observed on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with a focus on glacier preservation. Glaciers are melting faster than ever and as a result of their retreat, the water cycle becomes more unpredictable and extreme. Changes in meltwater flows cause floods, droughts, landslides and sea level rise, all of which impair ecosystems.

Source: UN Water

Glacier preservation is viewed as a survival strategy and necessitates reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable meltwater management. Managing glacial runoff is also critical for preventing both water shortages and excessive flooding. There is an urgent need for improved water infrastructure in many areas to store seasonal glacial meltwater, and for countries to improve their water efficiency and reuse systems.

In recognition of the role of glaciers in the global water cycle, the UN is preparing a comprehensive global outreach and awareness campaign, scheduling regional workshops and capacity-building campaigns, and implementing research and monitoring initiatives.