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UNESCO Organizes a Forum on the Future of Cryospheric Sciences
The forum was organized as part of the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, which took place on May 29-31. The forum builds on the momentum of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 (IYGP), officially declared by the United Nations at the initiative of the Republic of Tajikistan and co-facilitated by UNESCO and WMO, as well as the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, celebrated globally on March 21, 2025. It also marks a key milestone following the UN General Assembly’s adoption of Resolution 78/321, put forward by France, proclaiming 2025–2034 as the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences.
The Forum brought together high-level representatives, scientists, educators, and representatives from civil society and international organizations to shape the path forward for cryospheric science and action. It was opened by Mr Loiq Rahmonzoda, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan; H.E. Elsa Pignol, the Ambassador of France to Tajikistan; and Mr Abou Amani, Director of the Water Sciences Division and Secretary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) at UNESCO.
"Let's work together, as what we need is action. This action should be grounded in evidence and relevant information. Unfortunately, we still do not have complete information or a full understanding of what is going on with the cryosphere," emphasized Mr Abou Amani during his opening speech.
The opening session also included a key note speech by Dr John Pomeroy, co-chair of the advisory board for the IYGP and UNESCO chair in mountain water sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. It was followed by three panel discussions, that focused on three thematic areas: scientific research, education and capacity building; socio-economic impacts and resilience; and policy, advocacy, and financing, addressing a full range of issues related to cryosphere research, monitoring and policy.
Participants reviewed the outcomes of a recent Brainstorming Session held at UNESCO in Paris, which outlined priorities and proposed milestones for the Decade. This forum served as a platform to build on those proposals, connect the goals of the International Year with the Decade’s long-term vision, and foster stronger international cooperation. It also aimed to mobilize knowledge, resources, and partnerships to support targeted actions in regions most vulnerable to glacier retreat and cryosphere-related risks, including Central Asia where the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation was held.
