Professor Celeste Saulo
Secretary-General of WMO
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, taking place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
As global temperatures rise, the melting of glaciers is accelerating at an alarming rate. The State of Global Water Resources 2023 report reveals that glaciers lost over 600 gigatons of water in 2023, the largest mass loss recorded in the past 50 years. While this may temporarily increase downstream water availability, it underscores a critical long-term concern: the reduction in water stored as snow and ice will have profound consequences for the availability of water resources for people, ecosystems, and economies. This highlights the urgent need to stabilize the climate through collective action focused on monitoring, understanding, and mitigating these changes.
A major milestone in this effort is the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/77/158, which declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP 2025) and designated 21 March as the annual World Day for Glaciers (WGD), starting in 2025. This resolution entrusts WMO and UNESCO to co-facilitate the implementation of the IYGP and the observance of the WGD, in cooperation with governments, relevant United Nations organizations and other stakeholders. Together, we are mobilizing global efforts to raise awareness and drive action throughout 2025 and beyond.
As the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, I want to emphasize that glacier monitoring, research, and related services in high mountain and polar regions are critical priorities for WMO. Observing, predicting, and effectively communicating glacier changes are vital to mitigating their impacts on people, economies, and ecosystems. The melting of glaciers increases risks of hazards such as landslides and glacial lake outburst floods, while also disrupting hydrological and ecological systems. The UN Early Warnings for All initiative, co-led by WMO in collaboration with many partners, aims to enhance protection against these hazards, fostering resilience for communities worldwide.
Addressing the urgent challenges posed by the climate crisis requires strong political leadership and inclusive, equitable policies rooted in transparent and collaborative dialogues. Therefore, WMO commends Tajikistan’s leadership in hosting this important international conference. This event will serve as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. It aims to enhance global efforts in strengthening glacier monitoring networks, disaster management and developing effective policies to address the far-reaching impacts of rapid glacier melt. Moreover, it will promote the exchange of knowledge and innovative strategies.
I am confident that your participation in this conference will add valuable perspectives and help to build the ambitious, inspiring future we strive to achieve for the generations to come.
WMO remains committed to advancing collective action on glacier-related issues to strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable development for all.
I look forward to seeing you in Dushanbe and wish you all a fruitful conference.
Thank you,
