International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2026

International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2026

The International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms is observed each year on 12 July. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution A/RES/77/294, this day raises attention to the widespread impact of sand and dust storms on health, agriculture, economies, and ecosystems. It urges governments, institutions, and communities to work together to prevent harm, manage risks, and support affected regions.

The Impact of Sand and Dust Storms

Sand and dust storms, while part of natural cycles, have grown in scale due to human activities such as unsustainable land use and climate shifts. These storms carry massive amounts of particles over long distances, disrupting daily life, damaging crops, threatening clean water sources, and creating health hazards.

Effective measures help limit these effects by improving land practices, sharing data, and building local capacity. Protection of vulnerable areas helps maintain ecosystems and keep communities safer.

Despite progress, sand and dust storms continue to cause damage across continents. They can worsen drought, reduce air quality, and create costly repairs for transport and infrastructure.

Key facts as of 2026 include:

• Nearly 2 billion tonnes of dust enter the atmosphere each year

• Storms occur in regions across every continent

• Sand and dust storms contribute to breathing and heart conditions, as well as skin and eye irritation

• Dust can travel across oceans, carrying nutrients but also pollutants and disease-causing particles

• Transport routes often close during severe storms, delaying trade and services

• Farming output drops in areas hit by repeated storms

• Sustainable land and water practices help reduce the frequency and strength of these storms

History of the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms

In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/294, setting 12 July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms. The resolution encourages UN Member States, civil society, research groups, and local communities to observe the day through learning events, outreach efforts, and information sharing.

The day draws attention to shared solutions and fosters regional and global partnerships. It underlines the need to help affected regions cope with health problems, economic losses, and threats to biodiversity.

Observance of International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2026

The 2026 campaign is likely to center on how countries can work side by side to lower risks, share knowledge, and shield communities from harm. Activities aim to show practical actions and help regions prepare for future events.

Anticipated observance activities include:

• UN Headquarters Event: A gathering in New York featuring scientists, policy leaders, and environmental groups discussing regional challenges and fresh strategies.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Videos, publications, and news stories shared online and on media channels to spread information on storm risks and protective actions.

• Workshops and Local Meetings: Events in regions prone to storms, focused on practical steps for shielding crops, health, and property.

• Early Warning System Demonstrations: Displays of new tools to track storms and alert communities before harm occurs.

How You Can Support the Day

Everyone has a role in helping reduce the damage caused by sand and dust storms. You can contribute by:

• Joining local events focused on land protection and public health

• Sharing materials that explain storm risks and safety steps

• Supporting policies that promote sustainable land and water management

• Working with groups that help affected areas through research and community efforts

As the world marks the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2026, the focus remains clear: through shared action, strong partnerships, and science-based solutions, we can help protect people, resources, and ecosystems from the sweeping impacts of these storms.

International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms Themes

Year	Theme	Description
2019	Sand and Dust Storms: Working Across Agendas for Resilience and Sustainability	Highlighted the worldwide challenge of sand and dust storms and the need for coordinated action across areas like sustainable development, land and water management, and climate action, aiming to build stronger communities and reduce storm impacts.
2020	Working Across Agendas for Resilience and Sustainability	Focused on the value of linking different sectors to respond to sand and dust storms, calling for cooperation to lower risks and support long-term solutions.
2021	Sand and Dust Storms: Working Across Agendas for Resilience and Sustainability	Stressed the links between sand and dust storms and global challenges, encouraging shared action to protect health, economies, and ecosystems from storm effects.
2022	Rising up from Drought Together	Marked the UN’s official naming of 12 July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms and promoted working together to manage drought and storm risks while supporting sustainable land and water use.
2023	Sand and Dust Storms: Working Across Agendas for Resilience and Sustainability	Emphasized the worldwide impacts of sand and dust storms on health, crops, and economies, calling for joined-up efforts to lower risks and support people in affected areas.
2024	Sand and Dust Storms: Working Across Agendas for Resilience and Sustainability	Highlighted the need for global unity in dealing with the increasing threat of sand and dust storms and encouraged adding storm measures into broader plans for sustainable development and disaster risk reduction.
2025	Sand and Dust Storms: Working Across Agendas for Resilience and Sustainability	Focused on the significance of international collaboration and coordinated action to address the rising challenges from sand and dust storms, linking storm control with health, food security, and stable economies, and launching the UN Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (2025-2034).

Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals

The International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2026 supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting environmental protection, climate resilience, public health safeguards, and sustainable land management.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Sand and dust storms reduce crop yields, damage farmland, and threaten long-term food security.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Airborne dust contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increasing pressure on health systems.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Dust particles can contaminate water sources, affecting safe drinking water supplies.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Storm-related damage disrupts agriculture, trade routes, and infrastructure, causing economic losses.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Urban areas experience air pollution, transport disruption, and infrastructure strain during severe storms.

SDG 13: Climate Action – Sand and dust storms are linked to climate variability and land degradation, requiring coordinated mitigation and adaptation strategies.

SDG 15: Life on Land – Sustainable land management helps prevent soil erosion and ecosystem degradation that intensify storm frequency and severity.

How the Event Is Observed

The International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2026 is observed through scientific forums, public awareness campaigns, regional cooperation meetings, and educational outreach organized by United Nations agencies, research institutions, governments, and environmental organizations.

Activities may include expert panels at UN Headquarters, early warning system demonstrations, workshops in affected regions, land restoration initiatives, and digital campaigns sharing data and prevention strategies.

The observance promotes science-based solutions, cross-border collaboration, and long-term investment in sustainable land and water management practices.

Key Facts at a Glance

Date: 12 July 2026
Established by: United Nations General Assembly
UN Resolution: A/RES/77/294 (2022)
Primary focus: Reducing risks and impacts of sand and dust storms
Global scope: International
Annual atmospheric dust: Nearly 2 billion tonnes

Frequently Asked Questions – International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2026

What is the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms?
It is a United Nations-recognized international observance held annually on July 12 to raise awareness about the environmental, economic, and health impacts of sand and dust storms.

When was the day established?
The United Nations General Assembly established the observance in 2022 through Resolution A/RES/77/294.

Why are sand and dust storms increasing?
While naturally occurring, their frequency and intensity are influenced by land degradation, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change.

How do sand and dust storms affect health?
Dust particles can cause respiratory and heart conditions, eye irritation, and other health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations.

How can countries reduce storm impacts?
Through sustainable land management, improved early warning systems, regional cooperation, and policies that prevent soil degradation and desertification.

References

United Nations General Assembly. “Resolution A/RES/77/294.”
https://undocs.org/A/RES/77/294