FORUM: "Sand and Dust Storms: Working Across Agendas for Resilience and Sustainability." International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2025. Sand and dust storms (SDS) are an increasingly global issue affecting 151 countries worldwide with numerous impacts on the environment, food security, agriculture, health, transportation, energy, human–societies and economies. Sand and dust storms are an essential element of the Earth’s natural bio-chemical cycles, but are also caused in part by human-induced drivers, including climate change, and unsustainable land management and water use. In turn, sand and dust storms contribute to climate change and air pollution. Sand and dust storms’ impacts are felt in all regions of the world, both in developed and developing countries, and pose severe challenges to achieving 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, especially: SDG-2 : Zero hunger — SDG-3 : Health for all — SDG-6 : Water and sanitation — SDG-8 : Economic growth — SDG-11 : Sustainable Cities and societies — SDG-13 : Climate action, and — SDG-15 : Biodiversity forests and desertification. This call to action represents a significant step in enhancing awareness of SDS and mobilizing the political will and resources needed to address the SDS related issues which present a serious challenge to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and associated targets. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #12july, #sandstorms, #duststorms.
EVENTS: On July 12th, a High level Panel Discussions and several events were organized around the world.
On July 10th at 10: 30 am EST, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will released its annual airborne dust bulletin, highlighting the global impact of sand and dust storms. The bulletin discusses the hotspots, hazards, and WMO's efforts to combat these storms. It emphasizes the connection between dust storms, climate change, and various socio-economic sectors, including agriculture, solar energy production, and health. Watch the WMO - Press Conference: Sand and Dust Bulletin 2025.
On July 10th; At the UNHQ; starting at 16:00 pm EST; The 3rd edition will be, co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Senegal at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, featured various speakers from organizations collaborating in the United Nations SDS Coalition. A high-level meeting with an opening and plenary segment will be held to bring together Member States and Observers at the highest level possible to discuss the challenges faced by affected countries and to promote practical, coordinated actions at both regional and global levels. It will also be an opportunity to discuss action-oriented recommendations and address the challenges faced by countries affected by sand and dust storms. Read the concept note and watch the livestream!
