In a high-level pledging event for the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), Ambassador Lisa Carty, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Economic and Social Council, delivered remarks reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting CERF’s vital role in humanitarian response.
Ambassador Carty expressed gratitude to Under-Secretary-General Griffiths and the panelists for their compelling insights into the crucial importance of the CERF.
She announced a substantial contribution of nearly $10 million from the United States, highlighting the nation’s steadfast dedication to ensuring swift aid delivery to communities affected by crises.
Throughout her remarks, Ambassador Carty emphasized the CERF’s effectiveness as a powerful mechanism for rapidly delivering life-saving assistance to communities in crisis.
The fund plays a critical role in responding to emergencies and providing crucial support to underfunded responses in various regions, including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, and Gaza.
Acknowledging the increasing humanitarian challenges posed by conflicts, climate-related disasters, fragility, and health emergencies, Ambassador Carty underscored the heightened importance of the CERF.
Despite allocating over $642 million in 2023, making it the third-highest funding level to date, contributions to the CERF are currently on track to be the lowest since 2017.
Ambassador Carty called for collective action to address this challenge, urging broad support for the CERF. She commended the United Nations for launching the new CERF Climate Account, viewing it as an innovative approach to attract additional funding and leverage the fund’s capabilities in scaling anticipatory action and responding to climate-related emergencies.
In conclusion, Ambassador Carty encouraged all donors to contribute to the CERF, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring that the humanitarian community is well-equipped to save lives and alleviate suffering in crisis situations worldwide.
