7 February 2025 

Amidst the increasing and urgent need to tackle climate-induced loss and damage, the Santiago network and the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) have joined forces to provide stronger support to vulnerable populations facing the devastating impacts of climate change.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in supporting developing countries in addressing loss and damage. The Santiago network plays a critical role in catalyzing technical assistance in developing countries and empowering communities with the resources and tools they need. Complementing this, the FRLD provides crucial financial support, bridging the gap in global climate finance and facilitating recovery from escalating loss and damage.

Through their shared vision and a collaborative approach, the Santiago network and FRLD secretariats will work together to help communities and countries prepare for and respond to climate impacts. The partnership will focus on: 

• Streamlining support: Make it easier for vulnerable countries to access both technical assistance and financial resources.
• Sharing knowledge: Maximize the impact of their efforts by sharing expertise and best practices.
• Coordinating delivery: Ensure that support is coordinated and complementary, avoiding duplication and maximizing efficiency.

Carolina Fuentes Castellanos, Director of the Santiago network secretariat, said, “The signing of this Letter of Intent is a testament to the shared commitment of the Santiago network and the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage to empower vulnerable people on the frontlines of the climate crisis by ensuring they have access to the technical assistance, knowledge and finance needed for an effective, long-lasting response to climate-induced loss and damage."

Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), stated, “Our partnership with the Santiago network is a critical step in building the Fund’s capacity to support vulnerable communities. By leveraging the network's technical capacity and expertise, we can create a more coherent and efficient system for delivering support, maximizing the impact of our resources and building long-term resilience in vulnerable communities."

This collaboration will not only support immediate loss and damage responses, but empower communities most affected by climate change to build long-term climate resilience. As climate challenges intensify, this partnership offers a powerful model for delivering comprehensive, context-specific support and building a more sustainable future for all.