The High-Level Event on Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) took place at the Silk Road Congress Centre in Samarkand. The event was held under the aegis of the 21st Session of the Committee to Review the Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CRIC21 UNCCD). According to data, about 25% of sand and dust storms are caused by human intervention, the press office of the Government of Uzbekistan reported to CentralAsia.news.
The high-ranking officials, including Minister of Ecology, Environment and Climate Change of the Republic Aziz Abdukhakimov and UNCCD COP15 President Alain-Richard Donwahi attended the plenary session. In his speech, Abdukhakimov noted that the problem of sand and dust storms is becoming increasingly pressing for Uzbekistan with every passing year. He urged to take comprehensive measures to solve it.
The Minister said the Uzbek authorities are currently working to create an effective platform for politicians to discuss climate change impacts, including desertification, and make a joint decision. Abdukhakimov proposed expanding this platform and bringing together politicians from different regions to develop a broader approach and effective counteractions.
