UN PROCLAIMS 2025-2034 AS DECADE TO COMBAT SAND AND DUST STORMS

  

The United Nations General Assembly has declared the period from 2025 to 2034 as the United Nations Decade to Combat Sand and Dust Storms. This proclamation, made on Wednesday, aims to address the increasing threat of these extreme weather events, which have significant health and economic impacts from central Africa to northern China.

Ugandan Ambassador to the UN, Godfrey Kwoba, introduced the resolution on behalf of the Group of 77, a coalition of 134 developing countries and China. He emphasized that the initiative seeks to "stop and mitigate the negative effects of sand and dust storms" through "international and regional cooperation."

The resolution was adopted by consensus, marked by a gavel from Assembly President Dennis Francis.

A 2022 report by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification highlighted the rising frequency of sand and dust storms. These storms exacerbate respiratory diseases, devastate crops and livestock, and accelerate desertification.