Ambassador and DPR Ariel R. Peñaranda delivers the Philippines’ pledge in the High-Level Pledging Event of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for 2024 (Photo by NYPM).

 

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 06 December 2023 — Despite domestic financial challenges, the Philippines has taken a commendable step in global humanitarianism, announcing a $200,000 pledge to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), a move that underscores its steadfast commitment to supporting emergency aid efforts worldwide.

Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, at the annual High-Level Pledging Event (HLPE) of the CERF, reiterated the Philippines' dedication to the cause, emphasizing the balance between domestic needs and global responsibilities. "UN OCHA relies on our support of CERF. That is why, despite our domestic financial challenges, the Philippines will contribute $200,000 to CERF. We encourage others, including the Fund’s beneficiaries, to contribute as well so we can make CERF truly a fund for all, by all."

In his remarks, Ambassador Peñaranda reflected on the severity of recent global humanitarian crises, highlighting the devastating impact of conflict on the most vulnerable, including children, persons with disabilities, and older persons. He stated, “The Philippines holds strong confidence in CERF which has served as a lifeline to many people devastated by conflict and disasters. As one of the four countries implementing the Emergency Relief Coordinator Flagship Initiative, the Philippines has seen hundreds of thousands of its people benefit from CERF.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres lauded the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) as a pivotal success of the UN. Reflecting on his experience as High Commissioner for Refugees, he stated, "Quick analysis, quick decision, quick implementation. That is the memory I have about CERF support." Secretary-General Guterres highlighted CERF's strategic role in humanitarian emergencies and its focus on marginalized groups, asserting, "CERF prioritizes people who are likely to be marginalized and left behind: women and girls, people with disabilities, older people."

Mr. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted CERF's broad support base. Since its inception in 2006, over 60 Member States have contributed and benefited from its funding. "CERF is the fund of these Member States. It's our fund, your fund, there for you in your time of need," he said.

Established in 2006, the CERF has allocated nearly $9 billion to provide life-saving aid in over 110 countries. Unfortunately, global funding needs have surged tenfold, from $5.2 billion in 2006 to $55.6 billion in 2023, supporting over 250.2 million people. CERF, backed by contributions from 131 Member States, including 59 beneficiaries, reflects a global commitment to its role as a "fund for all, by all."

The HLPE on the United Nations CERF is organized annually by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). It aims to mobilize financial resources to ensure that the CERF is well-placed to effectively provide time-critical, life-saving humanitarian assistance in response to the exponentially growing humanitarian needs. END.