DOE Tackles Climate Change and Sustainable Development Strategies at Lebanon and Azerbaijan Conferences
The Department of Environment (DOE) has actively participated in international conferences in Lebanon and Azerbaijan, focusing on initiatives to combat sand and dust storms (SDS) and climate change. These events highlight Iran’s commitment to environmental sustainability and collaborative efforts in addressing pressing climate issues.
From October 7 to 8, 2023, the DOE attended the Forum on Fostering Interregional Collaboration on Sand and Dust Storms in Beirut, Lebanon. Sediqeh Torabi, a prominent DOE official, delivered a compelling lecture titled ‘Integrated Policy and Community-Based Approaches to Combat SDSs in Iran’. In her presentation, she outlined Iran’s significant efforts and expertise in:
- Comprehensive management of sand and dust storms
- Vegetation restoration initiatives
- Engaging local communities in sustainability practices
During the event, Torabi also engaged in discussions with representatives from various international organizations, including:
- United Nations (UN)
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
- United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
- UN-Habitat
- Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
These meetings aimed to enhance scientific and technical cooperation among nations to better address the challenges posed by sand and dust storms.
The United Nations Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms was co-organized by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and ESCWA, serving as co-chairs for the Coalition for the period 2025-2026. Hosted by ESCWA, the meeting reviewed the work plans of five critical working groups focused on:
- Adaptation and Mitigation (FAO)
- Forecasting and Early Warning (WMO)
- Health and Safety (WHO)
- Policy and Governance (UNCCD)
- Regional Cooperation and Mediation (ESCAP and ESCWA)
The discussions also centered on the planning and organization of the United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (2025-2034), outlining forthcoming collaborative events aimed at enhancing global efforts against SDS.
Following the conference in Lebanon, the D-8 High-level Climate and Urban Dialogue took place from October 13 to 17, 2023, in Baku, Azerbaijan. This significant event, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, brought together D-8 Commissioners from member states including:
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Malaysia
- Nigeria
- Turkey
- Pakistan
During her speech titled ‘Towards Resilient and Low-Carbon Cities: Integrating Climate Action and Sustainable Urban Development’, Torabi highlighted Iran’s strategies in:
- Addressing air pollution
- Optimizing energy and water consumption
- Enhancing urban resilience against climate-related hazards
Furthermore, she referenced the national environmental policy document, which aims to standardize environmental requirements and integrate them into urban planning processes. Torabi also held fruitful discussions with representatives from D-8 member states and UN-Habitat, focusing on:
- Smart energy management
- Monitoring greenhouse gas emissions
- Sharing green technologies
The D-8 Week, marking its inaugural event since the organization’s establishment in 1997, featured two pivotal high-level gatherings: the D-8 Commissioners’ Retreat Meeting and the High-Level Climate and Urban Dialogue. These meetings were instrumental in advancing the organization’s vision for:
- Deeper cooperation
- Sustainable development
- Stronger institutional coordination among member states
The primary goal of these discussions was to foster an open exchange of ideas on critical organizational issues and to explore innovative approaches to enhance the cooperation framework of the D-8 Organization.
This series of international conferences reflects the ongoing commitment of the Department of Environment and its partners to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and sand and dust storms, paving the way for a sustainable future.
