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The theme for 2025 is “Glacier Preservation,” drawing attention to the critical need to protect glaciers and their essential role in the global water cycle.

Water is essential for life, yet millions of people around the world still struggle to access it. This is of particular concern as many regions rely on glacial meltwater for drinking water, agriculture and energy production.

With glaciers rapidly retreating due to climate change, this World Water Day reminds us that we must act to ensure reliable water supplies for all, while preserving these vital water sources.

Water as a Precious Resource

Today, approximately 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. Climate change has exacerbated the problem, with changing rainfall patterns, reduced freshwater availability, and increased droughts further straining water supplies in many regions.

The situation is particularly dire in mountainous regions that depend on glacial meltwater. These glaciers provide not only drinking water, but also water for agriculture and energy production.

As the world's population grows and freshwater resources dwindle, finding sustainable solutions for water management and conservation has never been more urgent.

FAO’s WASAG: Addressing Water Scarcity in Agriculture

A major initiative to address these challenges is WASAG (Water Scarcity Adaptation and Mitigation in Agriculture), launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

WASAG focuses on developing strategies to help agriculture adapt to water scarcity while minimizing water waste. By bringing together experts and governments, this platform promotes the use of efficient irrigation techniques, water-saving technologies and sustainable agricultural practices.

The goal is to keep agriculture productive while using water resources more wisely, which is critical to securing food systems in a water-scarce world.

Future Perspectives: What Can We Do?

But the responsibility doesn't fall solely on organizations or governments.

Individuals can make a difference by using water more efficiently in their daily lives - whether by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks or using water-efficient appliances.

Technological innovation also plays a key role, with new technologies such as smart irrigation systems and water recycling solutions offering opportunities to reduce water use in both agricultural and urban settings.

But for long-term solutions to work, global cooperation is essential. Governments, companies and international organizations must work together to safeguard water resources for future generations and to preserve glaciers as a vital source of water.

Background Information

First established by the United Nations in 1993, World Water Day serves as an important reminder of the global water crisis. More than 40% of the world's population already faces water scarcity, and this number is expected to rise unless immediate action is taken.

World Water Day 2025 focuses on the conservation of glaciers, highlighting the importance of these ice masses as a source of water. The retreat of glaciers threatens water availability for millions of people, making it urgent to act now.

Addressing these challenges through initiatives like WASAG and global cooperation is key to ensuring that water remains accessible to all and that future generations inherit a sustainable water supply.