21 September 2025

Statement from Co-Chairs on the outcomes of the fifth Advisory Board meeting

With the conclusion of the fifth meeting of the Santiago Network Advisory Board, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Advisory Board members and representatives, the Secretariat and our observers for their active participation and constructive engagement. This milestone meeting strengthened the network’s foundations, charted its strategic direction and enhanced its capacity to deliver on its mandate.

During the meeting, the Advisory Board took important decisions that will guide the Network into its next phase of delivery. The approval of the 2025 annual report of the Santiago Network for submission to the governing body or bodies represents a key milestone in ensuring accountability and transparency in our work.

The Advisory Board also adopted the terms of reference for the Budget Subcommittee, the Conflict of Interest Subcommittee and the Task Force on Outreach. These decisions will further strengthen the network’s governance and effectiveness, equipping it with the structures needed to provide guidance, manage resources and expand its reach.

The adoption of the Network’s first strategic framework — encompassing the Santiago Network strategy, communications strategy, outreach and engagement strategy, and resource mobilization strategy — marks a decisive step forward. Together, these strategies provide the vision, direction and means for the Network to deliver on its mandate. 

Key operational documents, including the 2026–2027 work programme and updated budgets for 2025 and 2026, were also approved, ensuring that strategy is translated into concrete action and providing a strong foundation for scaling up delivery in the years ahead.

With these outcomes, the Advisory Board has reaffirmed the Santiago Network’s role in connecting urgent needs with demand-driven technical expertise for developing countries and communities particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

We closed this meeting with confidence in the path ahead. The Santiago Network is entering a new phase — one defined by strong governance, clear direction and the tools to deliver inclusive, impactful action on loss and damage. The Advisory Board remains committed to providing the guidance needed to ensure transparency, inclusiveness and accountability as the network enters this next phase of growth and delivery.

— Angela Rivera and Stella Brożek-Everaert, Co-Chairs of the Santiago Network Advisory Board