Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
It is a profound honour to address you on this landmark occasion -- the inaugural World Day for Glaciers, in conjunction with World Water Day. This dual observance underscores the critical nexus between glacial health and global water security.
I extend my deep appreciation to the Governments of Barbados, Canada, Peru, Senegal, Singapore, Switzerland, Tajikistan, and the United Arab Emirates for their leadership in convening this timely event.
2025 marks the International Year of Glaciers¡¯ Preservation. This presents us a unique opportunity to elevate global awareness and drive concrete actions to safeguard these critical natural resources.
I commend Tajikistan for their proactive role in hosting the 2025 International Conference on Glaciers¡¯ Preservation, a pivotal moment for international collaboration.
Excellencies,
The cryosphere -- encompassing glaciers, ice sheets, permafrost, and snow -- is the lifeblood of our planet¡¯s ecosystems.
Glaciers, in particular, hold approximately 70 per cent of the Earth¡¯s freshwater, acting as critical reservoirs that sustain millions, especially in arid and mountainous regions. However, climate change is causing these essential ice reserves to vanish at an alarming rate.
Glacier retreat is not just an environmental concern¡ªit is a global crisis with profound impact on water security, biodiversity, and human livelihoods.
The accelerating melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets is now the dominant contributor to rising sea levels, posing an existential threat to the 680 million people residing in vulnerable low-lying coastal zones, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The increased glacial melt also intensifies extreme weather events, disrupting economies and displacing communities. These interconnected challenges demand immediate and concerted action.
Excellencies,
Glacier preservation is intrinsically linked to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Protecting glaciers directly supports SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, by ensuring the sustainability of freshwater resources. It is also fundamental to SDG 13, Climate Action, as preserving glaciers helps mitigate climate change impacts and build resilience among vulnerable communities. Furthermore, safeguarding glaciers contributes to food security (SDG 2), disaster risk reduction (SDG 11) and biodiversity conservation (SDG 15).
To effectively protect these critical ecosystems, we must commit to decisive actions.
First, we must enhance scientific research and capacity building. Strengthening global monitoring systems and expanding data collection on glacier dynamics will improve our ability to predict and mitigate climate-related risks. Providing targeted technical assistance and training to developing countries is crucial.
Second, we must strengthen international collaboration. Glaciers transcend political boundaries, making cross-border collaboration essential. We must foster robust partnerships between governments, academia, private sector and civil society to develop and implement preservation strategies. The UN system can play a pivotal role in developing a unified strategy and action plan for glacier preservation.
Third, we must develop and implement comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategies. Countries must integrate glacier preservation into national policies, with a focus on sustainable water management, ecosystem protection, and community resilience.
As we prepare for the 2026 Water Conference, let us build on the momentum gained at the 2023 UN Water Conference, and ensure our actions deliver lasting impact.
The preservation of glaciers is not merely an environmental necessity¡ªit is a moral and developmental imperative that demands our collective commitment.
Let us act decisively now to protect glaciers, secure water resources, and accelerate progress towards a sustainable future for all.
Thank you.