New York – As Venezuela reels from the aftermath of two devastating earthquakes that struck on 24 June, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and world-renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel are partnering to gather support towards recovery efforts that can help restore essential services and reactivate local economies, and beyond.

The earthquakes caused catastrophic damage across the country, claiming lives and leaving people and communities grieving, displaced, and without access to basic services. According to a rapid UNDP assessment, the disaster has resulted in an estimated US$6.7 billion in direct physical damage -a staggering toll that underscores the immense challenges ahead. 

While the impacts of the earthquakes have been profound, the recovery can contribute to rebuild stronger infrastructure, restore essential services, and advance more resilient human development. Today, Gustavo Dudamel and UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo presented at the UN headquarters in New York a suite of initiatives, including a global crowdfunding campaign and a benefit concert to mobilize international solidarity and urgently needed resources for Venezuela’s recovery and reconstruction.

As a further expression of global solidarity with the people of Venezuela, Dudamel and members of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra will join the New York Philharmonic in a historic joint performance at the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show that will also feature international stars including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and the PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay. 

“Venezuela’s real story now is about restoring hope, opportunity, and dignity,” said Maestro Dudamel, who has long championed social transformation through music and community action. "We must come together to work hand in hand to rebuild their lives and futures.”

“Recovery cannot wait. Behind the billions in damage are families who have lost homes, livelihoods and a sense of security,” said UNDP Administrator de Croo. “UNDP is working from day one, under the leadership of the Government, with authorities and communities to quickly identify the most urgent needs and turn solidarity into practical support. But the scale of this crisis demands a global response. Governments, multilateral organizations, businesses, philanthropies and individuals all have a role to play in supporting Venezuela rebuild stronger, restore essential services and create hope for the future”.

The partnership also shines a light on the power of music and unity. Musicians from Venezuela's Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra were present, sharing a message of resilience and solidarity when many within the El Sistema community have themselves lost their lives, homes, or been injured in the earthquakes. For Gustavo Dudamel, who began his musical journey in Venezuela’s National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras (“El Sistema”), the initiative also reflects the transformative role that music can play in empowering young people and strengthening communities. This partnership strengthens more than twenty years of collaboration between UNDP and El Sistema to advance sustainable development, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. 

With recovery needs on an unprecedented scale, UNDP and Gustavo Dudamel are inviting the world to take concrete action to help Venezuela heal, rebuild, and thrive.

MEDIA CONTACTS

• Victor Garrido Delgado, Media Analyst, UNDP - victor.garrido.delgado@undp.org
• Sharon Grobeisen, Strategic Media Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean, UNDP – Sharon.grobeisen@undp.org 
• Andrew Ousley, Gustavo Dudamel Public Relations & Digital Media, Unison Media, dudamel@unison.media
• Willy Villarreal, Gustavo Dudamel Public Relations (Spanish Language Media), willy@willyvillarreal.com