CERF High-Level Pledging Event
Statement of by the Permanent Representative of Estonia H. E. Mr. Rein Tammsaar
10 December 2024
Chair,
Estonia took the decision to become a humanitarian donor in 1998, only seven years after restoring its independence. Back then, we were facing a rather challenging socio-economic situation ourselves. Today, we are a global, reliable and principled donor. Estonia’s co-chairship of the Good Humanitarian Donorship Initiative in 2023-2025, together with the UK, is one example of our commitment.
Chair,
The UN remains at the core of ensuring an effective response to humanitarian needs around the world. We have supported CERF annually since its foundation in 2005. CERF helps us provide support for underfunded crises around the world. We particularly appreciate its speed and flexibility as well as the anticipatory approach.
We’re at a time of unprecedented humanitarian needs, exacerbated by Russia’s ongoing brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The fund is even more vital now with humanitarian financing struggling to keep up with needs. In this context, CERF helps to ensure that support reaches those who need it the most urgently. Now more than ever, OCHA needs to focus on its core mandate while mobilising development and peace actors on the ground.
Estonia’s support for CERF is part of our wider support for UN’s humanitarian activities. Our contribution to the activities of OCHA this year exceeded 800 000 euros. Last year, Estonia made a contribution for CERF covering this year and the next for a total of 100 000 euros. We continue to look for opportunities to help where we can.
Thank you.