Statement by Ms. Anna Pála Sverrisdóttir,
Humanitarian Director, Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Central Emergency Response Fund High-Level Pledging Event
December 10, 2024 


Excellencies, moderator.

Allow me to begin by congratulating our new Emergency Relief Coordinator, who assumes his duties at such a crucial point in time. You painted a dark picture, Mr. Fletcher, upon presenting the Global Humanitarian Overview for 2025, describing feelings of dread that the outlook will be even worse in one year´s time. But you also spoke of hope, because of what we know we can do. And we must hang on to hope. We owe it to fellow human beings that find themselves in emergency situations.

New and escalating conflicts have shed light on the paramount importance and added value of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), in complementarity with OCHA’s Country-Based Pooled Funds. The Fund has continued to deliver life-saving assistance where it is most needed, including by acting swiftly in times of deep suffering and the brink of famine in Sudan, dire needs in Haiti as well as within hours upon escalation in Lebanon.

Iceland notes with appreciation that CERF has allocated nearly one-third of 2024 funding to climate-related disasters and that it emphasizes anticipatory action, notably enabling more dignified interventions ahead of predictable shocks. As previously, we highlight the vital importance of efforts against gender-based violence. And we wholeheartedly concur with those who have spoken on the importance of upholding IHL and protecting humanitarian workers.

I am pleased to announce Iceland’s additional contribution of 70 million Icelandic Krona to the CERF - bringing Iceland’s total contribution this year to 190 million Icelandic Krona. The cooperation is anchored in our third multi-year framework agreement with CERF, allowing for continued predictable annual allocations through 2028.