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On top of the world¡¯s highest mountains, glaciers serve as crucial water towers for freshwater supply. They provide numerous and diverse sources of ecosystem services, with water supply one of the most critical. 

Mountains and glaciers however are among the most sensitive ecosystems. For many glaciers around the world, we are already witnessing a rapid decline in mass. This has considerable consequences on the large, often vulnerable, populations in these regions and their livelihoods. In upstream mountain areas, communities face increased risks of glacier lake outburst floods, landslides, and avalanches due to the destabilization of ice and snow. Downstream, glacier-fed water sources may experience seasonal water shortages, affecting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and hydropower generation. Coastal communities are also severely impacted by sea level rise and coastal erosion, leading to the loss of land, increased flooding, and damage to infrastructure. Glacier retreat clearly presents a serious threat to natural and human water supplies in many parts of the world. 

The importance of initiatives related to the Earths¡¯ cryosphere are recognized by the adoption of the 2025 International Year of Glaciers¡¯ Preservation, World Day for Glaciers and Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025-2034).

This event aims to launch a global call for bridging the International Year of Glaciers¡¯ Preservation and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences. Leveraging the momentum from 2025 to build a solid foundation for the Decade of Action, the event will focus on scientific collaboration, policy integration, and community actions. Further discussions will center on raising the profile of science and advancing scientific research to tackle cryosphere-related challenges globally. It will highlight the critical role of glaciers and the cryosphere in climate regulation, water resources, and sustainable development while emphasizing the urgent need for action.