The selection of Geneva, Switzerland, as the host city for the headquarters of the Santiago network, signifies a significant milestone in the global effort to address loss and damage caused by climate change. During the first meeting of the Advisory Board of the Santiago network held in Geneva from 18 to 20 March, the decision was made to establish the secretariat in Geneva. This decision is part of the broader effort to operationalize the Santiago network, which plays a crucial role in funneling technical support to developing countries to help them avert, minimize, and address the impacts of the climate crisis.
The Santiago network is a crucial mechanism established under the Paris Agreement, aiming to bridge the gap in capacity and resources for developing countries vulnerable to climate change. By engaging various organizations and experts at the international, national, and local levels, the network seeks to provide essential technical assistance that will contribute to building resilience and adapting to a changing climate.
The Government of Switzerland has welcomed the decision to host the Santiago Network Secretariat in Geneva, highlighting the city’s diverse ecosystem of organizations working in relevant areas such as humanitarian aid, disaster risk reduction, migration, and the environment. This collaboration is expected to bring added value to the network and strengthen the broader international efforts in addressing climate-related loss and damage.
The Santiago network’s work will complement the Loss and Damage Fund initiatives, linking technical assistance with programmatic approaches to reduce disaster risks and build resilience. This coordinated effort is crucial in advancing sustainable development, reducing humanitarian needs, and ensuring a more resilient future for vulnerable communities facing the impacts of climate change.
