Forum on Fostering Interregional Collaboration on Sand and Dust Storms

The Forum on Fostering Interregional Collaboration on Sand and Dust Storms will be held on 7–8 October 2025 at the United Nations House in Beirut, Lebanon. Organized by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), with the support of the Government of Sweden, the Forum is part of the United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (2025–2034). Building on earlier interregional dialogues in Doha and Abu Dhabi, the Beirut Forum will broaden the scope of discussions to facilitate strategic exchanges, share lessons learned, and strengthen regional cooperation.  

The event is organized in partnership with the United Nations Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms and will convene policymakers, scientists, and institutions to chart pathways for collaborative responses to this growing environmental challenge. 

ICARDA’s Director General, Aly Abousabaa, will participate in the Forum by delivering a presentation on scaling international cooperation in science, research, and innovation to combat sand and dust storms. Drawing on ICARDA’s extensive dryland research expertise, and building on findings from ICARDA’s recent report on sand and dust storms in Uzbekistan, the intervention will highlight practical approaches for advancing collaborative regional action and evidence-based strategies that address both the environmental and livelihood impacts of sand and dust storms. 

More info : https://www.unescwa.org/events/fostering-interregional-collaboration-sand-and-dust-storms-0