UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and UNOPS will host the secretariat of the Santiago network which aims to avert, minimize and address loss and damage from the impacts of climate change

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - “We welcome the consensus reached today on the host of the Santiago network Secretariat. This platform will accelerate countries’ access to technical assistance to combat the worsening effects of the climate emergency.

“Climate change is leading to devastation and the capacity to confront this needs to be strengthened — this is exactly the aim of the Santiago network and why it is essential that we urgently operationalize it. The network connects providers of technical assistance - including civil society, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector - with those that need it most.

“Collectively, we have the tools, the know-how and now we have the commitment to ensure that support will be fast-tracked to the developing countries on the front line of the climate emergency. UNDRR and UNOPS are committed to moving quickly on the full operationalization of the network.”

– Jorge Moreira da Silva, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director

– Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR

ENDS

Notes to editors

For interviews please contact:

• Jeanette Elsworth, UNDRR: jeanette.elsworth@un.org
• Tom Collins, UNOPS: tomco@unops.org 

The Santiago network

The Santiago network, established in December 2019 at COP 25, plays a crucial role in addressing climate change impacts in developing countries. It focuses on catalyzing technical assistance from various organizations, bodies, networks, and experts. It aims to support developing countries in averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage caused by climate change. Its mandate includes facilitating access to knowledge, resources, and technical assistance needed to address climate risks comprehensively​​.