UNESCO Unites Global Efforts to Combat Water Crisis: Innovation and Cooperation for a Sustainable Future

Paris, France — As the world grapples with escalating water challenges, UNESCO is spearheading a global initiative to mobilize the international community towards finding innovative solutions and fostering international cooperation.

This effort comes at a critical juncture, with billions facing severe water shortages and the threat of climate change exacerbating these issues.

The United Nations World Water Development Report, set to be released on March 21, 2025, will highlight the urgent need for concerted action to protect global water resources, particularly in the context of glacier preservation.

This year’s report, titled Mountains and Glaciers: Water Towers, emphasizes the pivotal role of mountain waters in sustaining societies and ecosystems worldwide.

UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), marking its 50th anniversary in 2025, has been instrumental in advancing water research and management globally.

Through collaborative research, capacity development, and policy support, IHP has brought together scientists, policymakers, and communities to address pressing water-related challenges.

The global water crisis is stark, with 2 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water and 3.6 billion without safely managed sanitation. 

Climate change is projected to worsen these conditions, making international cooperation crucial for mitigating the impacts of droughts and floods.

UNESCO’s initiative underscores the importance of science-policy interfaces and international partnerships in developing sustainable water management practices.

As the world observes World Water Day 2025 with a focus on glacier preservation, the call for global action to manage meltwater sustainably and reduce emissions has become more urgent than ever.

In summary, UNESCO’s mobilization of the international community reflects a growing recognition of the need for collective action to address the escalating global water crisis, emphasizing innovation, cooperation, and sustainable management of water resources.