02/27/2026
International Youth Council Yemen Joins Santiago Network in Major Global Achievement
Aden, Yemen — February 2026
The International Youth Council Yemen (IYCY) has achieved a significant international milestone by officially joining the Santiago Network, the UN platform under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) dedicated to mobilizing technical assistance for developing countries to address climate-related losses and damages. The membership, effective from January 2026, represents international recognition of the Council’s expertise and field experience in climate and humanitarian work across Yemen
Founded in 2012, IYCY is a non-governmental, non-profit organization led by youth, working to support vulnerable communities across Yemen through comprehensive programs in health, nutrition, water, food security, livelihoods, and environmental protection. Since its establishment, the Council’s initiatives have reached over 1.9 million people, enabling it to become an influential voice in international climate forums. The Council already holds accredited observer status with the UNFCCC and related environmental agreements, serving as an effective bridge between global climate processes and local implementation. Joining the Santiago Network adds to its record of prestigious international partnerships and memberships
The Santiago Network was established in 2019 as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage, aiming to channel and guide technical assistance from organizations, institutions, networks, and experts to developing countries most vulnerable to climate impacts. The Network’s Secretariat is jointly hosted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). It currently includes over 80 members worldwide, offering opportunities to respond to technical assistance requests, exchange knowledge and expertise, and access funding opportunities related to climate loss and damage
Membership in the Santiago Network carries particular significance for Yemen given the country’s vulnerability to climate change amid ongoing humanitarian crises and environmental degradation. The membership opens new avenues for technical and financial support to strengthen Yemen’s capacities in monitoring, documenting, and responding to climate losses and damages. In November 2025, the Santiago Network issued a call for proposals specifically targeting Yemen under the theme “Monitoring Loss and Damage and Capacity Building in the Republic of Yemen,” reflecting the growing UN focus on supporting the country in this critical area
The International Youth Council Yemen is a youth-led non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2012 in Aden, providing humanitarian assistance and promoting sustainable development in vulnerable communities. It holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and accredited observer status with the UNFCCC. Its work focuses on health, nutrition, water, food security, livelihoods, and environmental protection, linking global climate policies with effective local action.
