The Santiago Network Advisory Board convened for its third meeting in Bonn, Germany, from September 4 to 6, 2024, marking a major milestone in the network’s journey to provide technical assistance to communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate-related loss and damage. During the meeting, the board approved critical guidelines, paving the way for the network to begin its operations.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), addressed the board ahead of the meeting, urging the acceleration of the network’s progress. Stiell emphasized the important role of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) as co-hosts of the Santiago network secretariat in supporting the network’s mission.
In his pre-recorded remarks, the President-Designate of COP29 reinforced the Santiago network’s role in tackling loss and damage. “The Santiago network is a crucial part of the ecosystem driving progress on climate action. Its technical assistance is vital for those on the front lines of climate change,” he stated.
The meeting resulted in the adoption of key documents, including guidelines for responding to requests for technical assistance, managing funding, and addressing potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, an interim results framework was put in place, marking a significant step toward making the Santiago network fully operational.
Gideon Sanago, representing Indigenous Peoples organizations on the board, celebrated the meeting’s outcomes. “We are excited for the Santiago Network being operationalized. The revised guidelines are inclusive, accommodating the needs of all stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples,” Sanago remarked.
The meeting also focused on the network’s strategy, the recruitment of secretariat staff in regional offices, and outreach to potential members. One key highlight was the announcement of Carolina Fuentes as the Director of the Santiago Network. Fuentes will officially assume her role on November 1, 2024, in Geneva. “It is both an honour and a responsibility that I take with pride and commitment,” Fuentes said upon her appointment.
With the necessary frameworks in place, the Santiago network is now ready to connect those seeking technical assistance with the resources and expertise needed to combat the worsening impacts of climate change. The network’s progress is seen as a critical advancement in global efforts to address loss and damage, particularly for vulnerable communities like Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Camila Minerva Rodríguez, the SIDS representative on the Advisory Board, highlighted the meeting’s significance: “This is a turning point for the Santiago network. Vulnerable communities, like those in SIDS, can now submit requests for technical assistance. This is a major step towards mobilizing global action on loss and damage.”
The operationalization of the Santiago network promises to be a vital tool in the global response to climate change, offering much-needed support to those most affected by the crisis.