Opening remarks - Advancing Global Cooperation on Glaciers: Experiences and Multilateral Action

Excellencies, 

Distinguished panellists,

Dear colleagues and friends,

We are gathered here to mark World Glacier Day - an occasion to reflect on all our achievements during the International Year of Glacier’s Preservation.

Over the past 12 months, we have put glaciers firmly on the world map. Not only as indicators of climate change, but as essential pillars of water security, disaster risk management, and sustainable development.

But let me make it clear. This is not the end of the campaign. It must mark the start of lasting global commitment.

Glacier retreat is accelerating. Our capacity to anticipate impacts, reduce risks, and build resilience must accelerate even faster.

This is our shared responsibility.

Nobody can do it alone. We need to continue the strong collaboration between WMO, UNESCO and many partners who supported the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.  

And we need continued global leadership, such as provided by the Republic of Tajikistan – a true champion of glaciers, the crysophere and water security. 

Last year, I had the privilege of attending the International Glaciers Conference in Dushanbe. I  was inspired to see scientists, policy makers, and regional partners come together with a shared purpose to strengthen cooperation, raise awareness, and build solutions. This gave me HOPE.  

So where do we go from here?

There are three clear priorities to guide us in the future.  

First — cooperation is key

Glaciers transcend national borders.  Glacier-red rivers sustain millions of people throughout the world. Glacier preservation is therefore not only an environmental priority — it is fundamental to regional stability, economic resilience, and long-term development.

Transboundary dialogue and regional collaboration is  essential.

Second — we must strengthen observations

The theme of this year’s World Meteorological Day on 23 March is Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.

Mountain regions remain among the least observed areas in the world. Only 1% of more than 15,000 monitoring stations worldwide are situated at above 3000 meters. There are only seven observing stations in the whole of central Asia – a fraction of what we have in Switzerland.  

This shows the scale of the knowledge gap we still face. We cannot manage what we do not measure.

Expanding high-altitude monitoring networks, strengthening data exchange and cryosphere observations are not a luxury. They are strategic necessity.  

This lies at the heart of WMO’s mandate. As Secretary-General, I am committed to help Members to improve monitoring networks and transform scientific data into actionable services. This includes better early warning systems that protect lives and livelihoods.

Third — sustained investment is critical.

The visibility achieved during the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation must now be matched with long-term financing and strategic partnerships.

Integrated observing systems, stronger hydrological services, and science-based planning require financial commitment and collective ownership. They are a global public good.

Excellencies, colleagues,

We are entering the Decade of Cryospheric Sciences.  

This provides a timely opportunity to move from awareness to implementation — from fragmented initiatives to coordinated global action.

We have no time to lose.

On 23 March, next Monday, on World Meteorological Day, WMO will release the State of the Global Climate 2025 report.  It will show that glacier retreat continued unabated in 2025.  

The WMO report makes it clear that protecting glaciers is not just about preserving ice.

It is about securing freshwater resources, reducing disaster risks, protecting ecosystems, and supporting prosperity for present and future generations.

The choices and investments we make today will determine the resilience we build tomorrow.  

Let us carry forward the momentum of this year with renewed determination.

I wish you a meaningful World Glacier Day and World Water Day and I invite you all to join us at the World Meteorological Day ceremony on 23 March.

Thank you.