CERF vital in effectively addressing Covid-19 pandemic: minister

United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) fund embodies the spirit of multilateralism and collective action that must be embraced in order to respond quickly and effectively to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, says Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

The minister made the statement while delivering speaking at CERF’s High-level Pledging Event for the year 2020.

The event, held virtually under the theme “A Fund for All by All” was hosted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This year’s event highlighted the annual achievements of the Fund and opened the floor to all Member States to announce their pledges to the Fund for the year 2021.

During his statement, Minister Shahid noted that the “unprecedented trials of this year have left people around the world to depend on the critical and lifesaving work of the Central Emergency Response Fund”.

While CERF has provided USD 820 million in life-saving assistance to people in 52 countries following the Covid-19 pandemic, the minister noted the vital role played by the Fund’s swift and targeted disbursement of assistance in the advancement of the global response to the pandemic. He further emphasized that CERF’s “Rapid Response and anticipatory actions in response to Covid-19 as well to natural disasters and other emergencies, contributed substantially to the mitigation of the humanitarian impact of these events”.

Further noting countries with the fewest resources are often the hardest hit by conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises, he expressed Maldives’ appreciation for CERF’s continued efforts “to disburse aid to the most vulnerable populations and to fund the most underfunded humanitarian efforts”. The minister also expressed the country’s support its efforts to prioritize aid for women and girls and persons with disabilities.

Minister Shahid concluded his remarks by recognizing the inclusive nature of CERF, as a fund embodying the spirit of multilateralism and embracing collective action to respond quickly and effectively to urgent humanitarian crises worldwide.

Noting Maldives' contribution to the fund, the minister called on donors worldwide to continue to support the Fund’s commendable humanitarian efforts.

The Central Emergency Response Fund was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005 to promote fast and effective global humanitarian aid. Since its inception in 2006, the Fund has delivered over USD 5.5 billion worth lifesaving assistance to over 100 countries through its humanitarian partners.