12/12/2024
Qatar Charity participated in the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) High-Level Pledging Event (HLPE) 2024, held on December 10 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This annual event gathers member states, international organizations, and key stakeholders to mobilize resources and strengthen commitments to life-saving humanitarian action worldwide.
The HLPE highlights CERF's vital role in delivering timely, flexible, and reliable funding for emergencies and underfunded crises. Through collective pledges and dialogue, the event serves as a critical platform to bolster international solidarity and ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those most in need.
Since its inception, CERF has transformed emergency response mechanisms, swiftly directing aid to vulnerable populations. CERF allocates substantial resources towards urgent humanitarian needs across the MENA region and member countries of the OIC, totaling over $300 million.
Qatar Charity’s collaboration with CERF and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) has played a significant role in addressing underfunded emergencies and fostering resilience in affected communities across 42 countries in 2024. CERF's achievements this year include providing critical support in countries such as Sudan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Yemen, where the need for rapid emergency assistance remains paramount.
Mr. Yousef AlKuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, was invited to speak at the opening segment alongside HE Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development of Norway and HE Fatima Algine, Chad’s Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his address to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mr. Tom Fletcher, and delegates from more than 50 countries, Qatar Charity’s CEO, Mr. Yousef Al-Kuwari, reflected on the impact of fast-acting mechanisms such as CERF in the face of escalating global needs. Emphasizing the importance of protecting aid corridors, Mr. Al-Kuwari stated: "We must reaffirm our commitment to the principles of humanitarian access. Safe and sustained access to aid is essential, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza. Protecting humanitarian corridors and upholding the neutrality of aid workers are non-negotiable—lives depend on it."
Speaking of the collaboration with Qatar Charity, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Chief, Mr. Tom Fletcher said: “The UN Central Emergency Response Fund is the first line of support in emergencies and a lifeline to those in neglected crises. We are grateful to Qatar Charity for their sustained and generous commitment to the Fund and to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. This support is helping the UN, and our partners reach millions of people in the most dire need around the world."
The total contributions pledged during the conference amounted to $351 million with notable pledges from 45 donors. Qatar Charity’s continued support reflects its dedication to ensuring that CERF remains a reliable lifeline for communities in crisis.
About Qatar Charity
Qatar Charity is one of the world’s leading humanitarian and development organizations worldwide, with a mission to provide aid, build resilient communities, and empower communities through sustainable initiatives.
About CERF
Managed by UN OCHA, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) ensures rapid and reliable funding for life-saving humanitarian assistance in emergencies, with a focus on reaching underfunded crises and vulnerable populations.