Mr. Secretary-General, Excellences, ladies and gentlemen,
I believe we all agree that 2020 has been an exceptional year. The global health crisis brought along by COVID-19, will be remembered, and its consequences felt, for many years to come. The coronavirus continues to ravage the world as we speak, raising the humanitarian needs to all times high.
The Central Emergency Response Fund has played a major role in enabling rapid humanitarian response, when emergencies occur, for more than 14 years now. The CERF has rightfully earned the trust and confidence of the UN Member States, when alleviating the human suffering in the acute and protracted crises around the world. Considering the long-term impact of COVID-19 the Fund’s grants are needed more than ever. It is essential that CERF’s humanitarian partners will be able to continue to provide life-saving assistance, such as health care, water and sanitation, food assistance and nutrition support, shelter and protection, to crisis-affected people, when no other funding is available.
Estonia as the signatory to the Grand Bargain commitment fully supports the localization of the humanitarian aid. The UN pooled funds have proved to be the most agile and efficient financing instruments, supporting local and early action. Estonia has been a long-standing contributor to the CERF. Today, I am delighted to reaffirm our continuing support by announcing that Estonia has decided to raise its un-earmarked contribution by 50% and make our pledge multi-annual. Estonia will donate 150 000 euros for the activities of the Fund in 2021 and another 150 000 euros for its activities in 2022. We would also encourage other smaller donors to follow suit and step up. Estonia firmly believes that it is crucial to help those most in need. We will continue to do our part to make sure that despite COVID-19 we live up to the commitment of reaching the furthest behind first, as enshrined in 2030 Agenda.
I thank you.
