UK and Kuwait Strengthen Cooperation to Combat Regional Sand and Dust Storms
The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) have concluded a two-day consultation to advance their collaborative efforts in tackling sand and dust storms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This initiative, first announced at COP28, addresses the growing environmental threat posed by these storms, which have increased significantly over the past two decades due to climate change and desertification.
The consultation brought together experts from Iraq, UN Habitat, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, the Middle East Green Initiative Sand and Dust Storm Warning Centre, the UK Met Office, and the International Water Management Institute. Participants discussed strategies to improve forecasting, develop warning systems, and pilot nature-based solutions to reduce storm frequency and impact.
Waleed Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of KFAED, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing this transboundary issue, stating, "The devastating effects of sand and dust storms know no borders, and effective collaborative efforts are vital in addressing the challenges they present."
Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Belinda Lewis, highlighted the UK’s commitment to global climate efforts, noting, "The UK is proud to be part of efforts to combat this major economic, health, and environmental issue facing the region."
The joint initiative aims to deliver sustainable solutions that not only mitigate the impacts of sand and dust storms but also support long-term climate resilience across the MENA region.
