2025: International Year of Glaciers, Peace, Quantum Science, and Cooperatives

The United Nations has announced that 2025 will be dedicated as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, Peace and Trust, Quantum Science and Technology, and Cooperatives. This notable proclamation aims to raise awareness and drive global action around these essential themes, each playing a pivotal role in humanity’s future.

The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation

The melting of glaciers is a pressing global issue due to climate change, significantly impacting freshwater availability and climate regulation. In response, 2025 has been designated as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. As part of this initiative, March 21st will mark the annual World Day for Glaciers. This year aims to highlight the importance of glaciers and the urgent need for robust meteorological and climate services for communities reliant on cryospheric processes.

Key Objectives:

• Raise awareness about the impacts of glacier melting for billions of people worldwide.
• Ensure access to hydrological, meteorological, and climate services for affected communities.

International Year of Peace and Trust

Amid global uncertainties and conflicts, the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. According to a UN resolution, the global community is encouraged to foster peace through inclusive dialogue and negotiation. This step is vital to strengthening international relations and promoting a foundation for sustainable peace, security, and human rights.

Peace Initiatives Include:

• Encouraging dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflicts.
• Strengthening relationships between UN member states.
• Commemorating November 15 as the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight Against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime.

The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

In 2025, the world celebrates 100 years since the inception of quantum mechanics by marking it as the International Year of Quantum Science. Quantum technologies hold immense promise for advancing communication, computation, and cybersecurity.

Advancements in Quantum Science:

• Highlighting the breakthroughs and impacts of quantum science over the last century.
• Recognizing quantum technology’s role in transforming industries globally.

The International Year of Cooperatives

Reflecting on the cooperative model’s success in fostering sustainable development, 2025 is also the International Year of Cooperatives. The theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World” focuses on positioning cooperatives as solutions to contemporary global challenges.

Focus Areas:

• Showcasing the benefits of the cooperative business model.
• Encouraging cooperative policies that address economic, environmental, and social issues.

Introducing New UN Decades

Aside from these international years, 2025 will launch three new UN Decades, targeting critical global concerns. These initiatives aim to mobilize international cooperation and innovation for a sustainable future.

Upcoming UN Decades:

• The United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (2025-2034).
• The Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025-2034).
• The Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034).

The United Nations’ strategic focus for 2025 underlines the interconnectedness of global challenges, urging collective action to preserve our planet, promote peace, harness scientific advancements, and leverage cooperative solutions for a better future.

Each dedicated year and decade underscores the UN’s commitment to addressing complex issues through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. Engaging with these initiatives offers everyone a chance to contribute to a more sustainable, peaceful, and equitable world.

Source: https://unric.org/en/2025-year-of-glaciers-peace-quantum-science-cooperatives/