FAO hails CERF’s importance in saving livelihoods

“Since its creation in 2006, CERF is a key partner for FAO to save lives and livelihoods. With CERF funding, FAO has helped millions of people hit by crises to continue producing and accessing food despite violence and natural disaster,” informed Carla Mucavi, Director of FAO Liaison Office in New York, at the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) High-Level Pledging Conference on 7 December in New York. The CERF contribution to FAO in 2018 has already reached 33 million US dollars.

The conference highlighted CERF achievements and announcements towards the fund in 2019, while also providing an opportunity for Member States to reiterate their support for creating a stronger CERF to address current humanitarian challenges. The pledging conference broke two records, demonstrating the trust donors have in CERF: the fund will receive a record USD 550 million in 2018 and USD 439 million were pledged today for 2019.

Numerous examples of project implementation made possible through CERF support were given by Member States during the conference, including in Chad where FAO is supporting 15,000 rural families in the country through cash+ interventions that combine cash transfer with the provision of agricultural inputs.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the crucial role of CERF in effectively addressing humanitarian situations around the world and called on Member States to stand by the General Assembly commitment to raise $1 billion for the fund.

“CERF is about our collective commitment to respond effectively to growing needs. It’s our message of hope and global solidarity that we stand with people trapped in crises; and most of all, that we stand with those who are furthest behind,” Guterres said.

Following the Secretary-General's remarks, a panel discussion took place on the role of CERF in improving the humanitarian community's ability to assist people affected by conflict and crises.

“The CERF is the first and fastest, including for forgotten crises. But we can make it better and faster. I believe that CERF has the potential to play an even more prominent role as an enabler of early response to pandemic emergencies,” said Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

Established in 2006, CERF delivers funding quickly to humanitarian responders and brings greater balance to emergency assistance through its rapid response and underfunded emergencies windows.

Statement by Carla Mucavi, Director of FAO Liaison Office in New York

CERF Results as Reported by CERF Recipients in 2017