The EMG process on sand and dust storms was initiated in 2018 in response to growing international concern about their impacts on health, agriculture, livelihoods, ecosystems and sustainable development. Following a decision by the EMG Senior Officials, UN entities came together to establish a coordinated system-wide response, building on relevant UN General Assembly and UN Environment Assembly resolutions.
This work led to the establishment of the UN Coalition to Combat Sand and Dust Storms, bringing together UN organizations working across areas such as mitigation and adaptation, forecasting and early warning, health, policy and regional cooperation. The Coalition was formally launched in September 2019 during UNCCD COP14 in New Delhi.
During the EMG-facilitated phase, members developed the Coalition’s governance arrangements, strategy and action plan and established thematic working areas to support coordinated UN action. In 2020, responsibility for chairing and hosting the Coalition was transferred from UNEP to FAO, marking the conclusion of the Coalition’s establishment phase under the EMG.