19-20 March 2025 | Geneva, Switzerland
The United Nations Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms held its 10th meeting from 19-20 March 2025 at the premises of the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was jointly organized by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) as co-chairs for the Coalition for the period 2025-2026.
The meeting reviewed activities conducted by the Coalition over the prior year and included reports by the coordinators of its five working groups focused on Adaptation and Mitigation (FAO); Forecasting and Early Warning (WMO); Health and Safety (WHO); Policy and Governance (UNCCD); and Regional Cooperation and Mediation (ESCWA and ESCAP).
The meeting discussed key elements to reflect in the proposed plan of action of the United Nations Secretary-General to implement the new UN Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (2025-2024). The meeting also addressed upcoming events, including the high-level meeting to be convened by the President of the General Assembly, the side event at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNCCD COP17 preparations, as well as ways to improve coordination and communications by the Coalition.
The meeting concluded with an overview of deliverables and events to be undertaken by the Coalition in its 2025-2026 Work Plan.
