Santiago Network enters its delivery phase

Introduction

The Santiago Network catalyses technical assistance (TA) for averting, minimising and addressing climate change-related impacts. The technical assistance is catalysed from relevant organisations, bodies, networks and experts and serves to implement relevant approaches at the local, national and regional level in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Its vision is to build a world where developing countries and communities shape and drive inclusive action on climate-related loss and damage.  

Technical assistance and key players

Technical assistance through the Santiago Network is provided in a demand-driven manner and developed through an inclusive and country-driven process, taking into account the needs of local communities and vulnerable groups, including women, children, youth and Indigenous Peoples. The requests made by proponents for technical assistance, provided with financial support from the Santiago Network, follow an open and transparent selection process based on a call for proposals or terms of reference corresponding to the needs outlined in the request for technical assistance. The Santiago Network secretariat engages actively with proponents of requests and members to identify priority areas and needs for technical assistance. This proactive approach creates an enabling environment for demand-driven technical assistance. This includes offering necessary support for preparation of requests for technical assistance when needed. 

The Santiago Network secretariat may also provide support to countries in identifying capacity gaps for accessing technical assistance and in preparing requests for technical assistance, recognising in particular the significant capacity constraints of the least developed countries and small islands developing States. In this way the network connects vulnerable developing countries and communities with tailored, context-specific technical assistance — empowering them to shape and lead action that reflects their priorities and realities. Examples of specific areas on which technical assistance can be provided are included in the guidelines available on the Network’s website and range from collection and management of data and information via design of policies, legal frameworks and risk mappings, to the design of finance tools and putting together funding proposals. 

Members of the Santiago Network play a crucial role in achieving the goal and functions of the network. Membership to the Network is inclusive, covering, among others, women-led, indigenous-led, and youth-focused organisations, bodies, networks and experts. Members are diverse and cover a wide range of topics related to averting, minimising and addressing climate-induced loss and damage, bringing specialised knowledge, practical solutions and a dedication to taking action on responding to loss and damage.

Growing interest from countries and communities

Between April and September 2025, eight formal requests for technical assistance have been submitted, underscoring the growing trust in the Network’s ability to deliver technical assistance. Membership has expanded to 62 organisations, bodies, networks and experts — representing diverse expertise across regions, such as disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction, development, humanitarian response, climate change adaptation, migration, health, food and agriculture among others.