Other meetings & events

The conference will focus on strengthening international efforts to safeguard wetlands under the theme "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future". COP15 will address topics such as aligning Ramsar's work with climate and biodiversity agendas and considering the draft of the next strategic plan. More info.

Sand and dust storms (SDS) continue to pose significant environmental, health and socioeconomic challenges in many regions across the world. To mark the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, the UNCCD Global Communities for Learning and Practice (UNCCD-CLP) is convening a virtual expert meeting aimed at deepening understanding and catalyzing action on SDS-related issues.This expert gathering from 10:00-11:00 CEST will provide a platform for international specialists to share insights, exchange experiences and explore recent advancements in SDS monitoring, forecasting, impact assessment and mitigation. The event will feature presentations from four distinguished international experts, followed by an interactive Q&A session to engage participants and encourage collaborative dialogue.  Dust source mapping and monitoring Ali Darvishi Boloorani from the University of Tehran will present methods and tools used to identify, map and monitor the sources and transport pathways of dust emissions. Dust forecasting Enric Terradelas from AEMET and Alexander Baklanov from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will share innovations in predictive modelingand early warning systems designed to support timely responses to SDS events. Impact assessment Peter Tozer of Massey University will discuss the wide-ranging effects of SDS, including environmental degradation, public health risks, and economic losses. Expected outcomes Increased understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by SDS and the interlinkages with drought management and sustainable land management.Strengthened collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts, practitioners and policymakers.Actionable recommendations to inform future policies, programs and international cooperation on measuring and combating SDS.Zoom registration: Register here

Under the theme “Four Decades of Environmental Action in Africa: Reflecting on the Past and Imagining the Future,” the session also marks the 40th anniversary of AMCEN. Since its inception in 1985, the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) has served as a critical forum for African countries to collectively address the continent’s environmental challenges. Through its various sessions, AMCEN has facilitated the development of pivotal resolutions that have not only shaped regional policies but have also contributed to Africa’s leadership in global environmental governance.The decisions made during these sessions are instrumental in steering the continent toward sustainable development. Each resolution adopted at AMCEN serves as a catalyst for action, driving policy changes, fostering cooperation and influencing international environmental frameworks. From the implementation of climate action strategies to addressing the issue of plastic pollution and promoting biodiversity conservation, AMCEN’s decisions are key to Africa’s response to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.These decisions have tangible impacts on member states, driving national and regional environmental initiatives and ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard and acted upon at global forums. Whether it is through advocating for legally binding agreements, committing to climate adaptation strategies, or promoting green growth, AMCEN’s decisions continue to define Africa’s path toward environmental sustainability. More info.

The theme of the HLPF is “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind”.The 2025 HLPF with full appreciation for the integrated, indivisible and interlinked nature of the Sustainable Development Goals, will conduct in-depth reviews of: SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages; SDG 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls; SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; SDG 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development; and SDG 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.The 2025 HLPF is expected to bring together ministerial and high-level representatives of governments, as well as a wide range of expertise and stakeholders, including heads of UN entities, academics and other experts and representatives of major groups and other stakeholders. The countries presenting voluntary national reviews (VNRs) of their 2030 Agenda implementation at the national level can be found here.Additional platforms, including side events, VNR Labs, special events and exhibitions will be organized around the 2025 HLPF. More info.

The President of the UN General Assembly will convene a High-level meeting “Sand and dust storms: Working across agendas for resilience and sustainability” at the General Assembly Hall of UN Headquarters 10:00AM – 1:00PM local time. Held in observance of the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, the meeting will spotlight the environmental, health and socio-economic impacts of sand and dust storms, which contribute to land degradation, air pollution and food insecurity.The event will bring together Member States, observers, UN entities and NGOs to advance coordinated global and regional action. Discussions will focus on early warning systems, international cooperation and resource mobilization, in line with the newly proclaimed UN Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (2025–2034) and relevant SDGs. The meeting will be webcast live on UN WebTV in all official UN languages. The list of speakers opens on the e-deleGATE portal on Thursday, 3 July 2025 at 10 a.mMore info here.