Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha led the Saudi delegation to a high-level working session on dust and sand storms, held alongside the 21st meeting of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Faqeeha emphasized the local, regional and global impact of dust and sand storms on economic and social development, as well as on health and environment, highlighting the need for international, including regional, cooperation to implement strategies, plans, initiatives, activities and programs to reduce the effects of these storms.
The committee's meeting, which took place from November 13 to November 17, 2023, reviewed national reports from 126 state parties. Participants discussed the progress made in implementing UNCCD strategic objectives, and Article 15.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as measures taken by member states to reduce the effects of droughts, dust and sand storms.
