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The Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre, Category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO (hereinafter – the Centre), held a Round Table on March 20, 2026, dedicated to the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and World Glacier Day.

 “Glacier preservation is one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity. These ancient ice formations are not merely frozen water — they are custodians of our planet’s climate history, a source of life for billions, and sacred sites for many cultures. Their rapid disappearance is a stark reminder that we must act now,” stated Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

The importance of recognizing the role of glaciers in human life is supported by expert data: 70% of the world’s freshwater reserves are stored in glaciers and ice sheets; however, these ice formations are rapidly retreating due to climate change. Preserving these resources is essential for environmental sustainability, economic stability, and the protection of cultures and livelihoods. The World Meteorological Organization recently confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record and has repeatedly issued red alerts regarding the state of the global climate, including glacier retreat. In 2023, glaciers experienced the largest loss of ice mass in five decades of observations. The melting of ice and glaciers threatens long-term water security for many millions of people. “This International Year must serve as a wake-up call for the entire world,” stated Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the WMO.

According to a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, World Glacier Day will be observed annually on March 21. In 2025, UNESCO celebrated the first-ever World Glacier Day at its headquarters in Paris on March 20–21.

The Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre actively participates in various glacier preservation initiatives, including the Regional Environmental Summit in April 2026, and plans to organize a regional conference on the cryosphere, conduct training sessions, participate in international expeditions in the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains, and publish informational materials on the glaciers of Kazakhstan.

The Round Table held in honor of World Glacier Day brought together specialists and experts, including representatives of scientific organizations such as JSC “Institute of Geography and Water Security,” the Public Chamber under the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, LLP “Institute of Ionosphere,” the State Institution “Kazselezashchita” of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, RSE “Kazhydromet” for the city of Almaty and Almaty region, the Public Association “Jerdin Dostary,” the Sustainable Development Center of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, as well as higher education institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

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