During the World Water Day event, UNESCO presented the UN World Water Development Report 2025 (WWDR 2025), which calls for urgent action to tackle this crisis.

UNESCO Unveils WWDR 2025: A Call to Action

The day’s highlight was when Mr. Miguel Doria, the UNESCO Regional Hydrologist for Latin America and the Caribbean, announced the findings of the WWDR 2025. He pointed out that glaciers and mountain environments act as the globe’s natural “water towers,” giving fresh water to billions. 

But the rising temperatures are speeding up glacial melt, which poses immediate and long-term risks to our water supply.

“We really need a new water culture that can help sustain glaciers and mountain ecosystems,” Mr. Doria said. He highlighted the various challenges we face, like gaps in data, the need for better early warning systems, and building up our capacities at all levels. 

The report offers strategies directed at governments and policymakers, pushing for more cross-border cooperation, standardized monitoring systems, and better climate adaptation measures.

Mr. Helmut Habersak, who chairs the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), echoed the urgency. He mentioned alarming projections that indicate some river systems could see up to a 25% drop in water discharge by 2050, which could impact navigation, hydropower, and biodiversity.

IW:LEARN and UNESCO Almaty Highlight Cryosphere Challenges

In a side event titled “Climate Change Impact on the Cryosphere: From Glaciers to the Sea,” co-organized by IW:LEARN and the UNESCO Almaty Office, the discussion took a closer look at how mountains and glaciers play a vital role in building resilience across various regions. 

Experts shared their research on water security, climate resilience, and innovative ideas for tackling glacial melt, stressing the importance of working together internationally.

Moderated by Ms. Konstantina Toli, the IW:LEARN Project Coordinator, the panel underscored the pressing need for transboundary cooperation and collaborative effort to address the challenges from glacier melting and their impact downstream. They shared case studies from Central Asia, Africa, and South America, highlighting the troubling effects of fast glacial retreat, impacting water security and threatening livelihoods and ecosystems.

Mr. Ramazon Rahmonov, who heads the Centre for the Study of Glaciers in Tajikistan, warned that while we may see increased river discharge from melting glaciers now, this is just a temporary relief. “Once these glaciers vanish, communities that depend on them will face serious water shortages,” he cautioned, calling for immediate investments in sustainable water governance. 

On another note, Dr. Bolot Moldobekov from the Central Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences (CAIAG) raised concerns about the rising number of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Kyrgyzstan. “New lakes are popping up at an alarming rate, and they're a serious threat to communities downstream as they cause severe flooding events” he explained, advocating for better early warning systems and cross-border crisis response plans. 

Dr. Florence Tanui from the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa pointed out that the Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System (KTAS) is crucial for over two million people. She urged for stronger cross-border collaboration and the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in modern water management strategies.

Similarly, Mr. Ricardo Burg  shared valuable lessons from GEF IW Guarani project, highlighting how transboundary cooperation and scientific diplomacy played a central role bringing together four countries to address water recharge challenges. He also emphasized that developing ‘no-regret’ adaptation strategies can help prevent irreversible costs like overexploitation.

Glacier Protection: A Shared Global Responsibility

Protecting these glaciers isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a responsibility we all share. Ms. Suzanne Schmeier of GEF STAP wrapped things up by emphasizing that everyone needs to pitch in to find solutions. Scientists, policymakers, and water management experts all stressed the importance of integrated water resource management, nature-based solutions, and boosting funding for long-term conservation efforts.

With the launch of the WWDR 2025, the international community now has a detailed roadmap to help protect glaciers and secure water for future generations. Now it’s the time to act.

About IW:LEARN

IW:LEARN is the Global Environment Facility's (GEF) International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network.

Acting as a service for the GEF International Waters Focal Area, it supports the GEF IW portfolio by catalyzing knowledge management, experience sharing, and capacity building to improve transboundary water management.

Currently in its 5th project cycle (2022-2026), IW:LEARN receives funding from the GEF and is jointly implemented by UNDP and UNEP, with execution overseen by IOC/UNESCO. Through these collaborative efforts, it continues to make significant strides toward enhancing the sustainable management of international waters worldwide.

For more information, please contact the Project Coordination Unit at pcu@iwlearn.org or visit the project website.