Riyadh hosts the second edition of the International Conference on Dust and Sandstorms
The Regional Center for Dust and Sandstorms announced the official launch of preparations for the second edition of the International Conference on Dust and Sandstorms , scheduled to be held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, by the end of this year. This initiative aims to solidify the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a key player in international efforts to address climate and environmental challenges.
Continuing the journey of the "Riyadh Declaration"
The center's executive director, Jamaan Al-Qahtani, explained that preparations for the second edition are based on the strategic successes achieved by the first conference. The previous edition was distinguished by the issuance of the "Riyadh Declaration," which serves as an international reference document and a comprehensive roadmap for coordinating global efforts in addressing the phenomenon of dust storms. The upcoming conference aims to implement the provisions of this declaration and translate its recommendations into concrete, practical action plans.
Environmental and economic dimensions of the event
This conference is of paramount importance given the growing challenges posed by climate change to the region and the world. Dust and sandstorms are transboundary phenomena whose impacts extend beyond the environment, causing significant economic losses that affect the aviation, agriculture, and public health sectors. Therefore, this year's conference aims to strengthen coordination among countries in the region to effectively address these storms, with a particular focus on supporting the efforts of dust-exporting countries to mitigate the phenomenon at its source.
Strengthening international partnerships after COP16
The conference is witnessing broad international participation, including leaders and representatives of UN climate organizations, as well as a select group of researchers and scientists. This strategic initiative builds upon the Kingdom's successive successes in the environmental field, most recently its hosting of the 16th Conference of the Parties to Combat Desertification and Drought (COP16). That hosting served as a launchpad for significant international partnerships, enhancing the chances of the current conference's success in producing innovative solutions.
A scientific agenda for a sustainable future
The conference agenda aims to conduct in-depth scientific studies to uncover the precise causes of sandstorms and to utilize modern technologies for monitoring and early warning. Participants seek to accelerate the development and implementation of shared, sustainable regional solutions to mitigate the environmental and economic repercussions of this phenomenon, thereby ensuring a more sustainable future for the region and the world.
