On 12 July, the world commemorates the first International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (SDS), which aims to raise global awareness of the growing health and environmental challenges posed by SDS.

The commemoration follows a resolution adopted by the General Assembly on June 8, 2023. Events are held around the world to highlight the urgency of this environmental crisis, largely caused by human-induced climate change, desertification, land degradation and drought.

The “Commemoration of the International Day of Combatting Sand and Dust Storms” event, co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Senegal at the United Nations in New York, features various speakers from organizations collaborating in the UN SDS Coalition. At the same time, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) hosts a series of regional webinars bringing together stakeholders from different regions.

The UNCCD will launch the SDS toolbox on this day.