The United Nations Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms was launched at COP 14 in 2019. The UN Coalition was established in response to the United Nations General Assembly resolution 72/225  in 2017 through the efforts made by UNEP. Currently, 15 Members of the Coalition include UNEP, WMO, UNCCD, UNITAR, ICAO, UNDP, UN-Habitat, WHO, ESCAP, ESCWA, IUCN, FAO, World Bank, ITU and UNECE. The key objectives of the Coalition include

• Preparing a global response to SDS, including a strategy and action plan, could result in the development of a United Nations system-wide approach to addressing SDS
• Identifying entry points to support countries and regions affected by SDS in the implementation of cross-sectoral and transboundary risk reduction and response measures for SDS
• Preparing a platform for engaging with partners and enhancing dialogue and collaboration among affected countries and the United Nations system agencies at global, regional, and subregional levels;
• Providing a common platform for the exchange of knowledge, information and technical expertise and resources for strengthening preparedness measures and strategies for risk reduction, consolidated policy, innovative solutions, advocacy and capacity-building efforts, and fund-raising initiatives
• Identifying, mobilizing and facilitating access to financial resources for joint responses to SDS, including through new and innovative resources and mechanisms.

WMO was one of the first UN Agencies, that started addressing the problem of sand and dust storms. Since 2007 WMO and partners have implemented a Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS).  This enhances the ability of countries to deliver timely, quality sand and dust storm forecasts, observations, information and knowledge to users through an international partnership of research and operational communities.