Speech at the Specialized Session on Combating Dust Storms

on the Sidelines of UNEA-7

 On the sidelines of the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), Dr. Ansari participated in the working group on experiences and solutions for combating dust storms and delivered a speech. The full text of her remarks is attached to the official report of the session.

The opening address was delivered by Ms. Inger Andersen, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). She commended the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran in placing the issue of dust storms on UNEA’s agenda and highlighted the extensive measures undertaken by Iran over the past decade to confront this major challenge. Ms. Andersen also shared her own experiences in addressing dust-related issues.

She emphasized that dust storms are no longer confined to West Asia, as their impacts have also been observed in European countries. Stressing the need for strengthened global action, she identified the development of early warning systems, prevention of the expansion of controllable hotspots, desertification control, and reduction of active dust sources as essential measures requiring international cooperation.

Dr. Ansari, in her intervention, outlined Iran’s ongoing struggle with dust storms and the measures taken to mitigate their effects. She underscored that unilateral sanctions have hindered access to vital technologies needed for forecasting and monitoring storms, as well as for stabilizing and controlling dust hotspots. Highlighting the transboundary nature of this crisis, she called for greater international collaboration and urged global environmental institutions to allocate more attention and resources to this pressing issue.

In the continuation of the session, representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan shared their national experiences in managing dust storms. Two specialized panels were also held: the first featured UN officials, including representatives from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), APDIM, and UNEP, who elaborated on global initiatives to combat dust storms.