A Global Call to Action: The Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences and the First World Day for Glaciers

In August 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 78/321 to declare the period from 2025 to 2034 as the “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences”. Championed by the Republic of France and the Republic of Tajikistan, with support from over 30 member states, this initiative underscores the urgent need for international scientific collaboration to mitigate the far-reaching effects of cryospheric changes on ecosystems, water security, and global climate stability. A dedicated brainstorming session during the March 2025 celebrations in Paris convened over 1,000 policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to outline the priorities for the Decade of Action. The session aimed to foster cross-border partnerships, and strengthen the integration of cryospheric science into global climate adaptation strategies. Through discussions across five domains - scientific research, socioeconomic impacts, education, policy advocacy, and finance - joint Task Force teams developed an integrated governance framework. The Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences represents a critical shift from observation to intervention, mobilizing global stakeholders to translate scientific consensus into concrete measures against cryosphere decline. The initiative responds to urgent calls from UNESCO and international partners for coordinated action on cryosphere preservation.