Delegate for humanitarian aid, Manuel Bessler, appointed to the Advisory Group of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund

Together with Mr Bessler, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has appointed five other persons to the CERF Advisory Group. The Advisory Group’s 18 members are responsible for providing policy guidance to the Secretary-General and expert advice in developing CERF strategy. Furthermore, in their capacity as experts they advise the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, who heads the fund on behalf of the UN Secretary-General.

The Central Emergency Response Fund was created in 2006 as an instrument of the international community to support humanitarian organisations in cases of humanitarian disaster or deteriorating situations. Since then, member states, regional and local authorities, the private sector, foundations and individuals have contributed USD 3.6 billion to CERF activities.  The fund has helped millions of crisis-affected people in 88 countries. Switzerland has provided considerable support for CERF since its foundation, including CHF 7 million in the current year.

Further information:

Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
Swiss presence in international organizations

Address for enquiries:

Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs