UN Chief: Global Emergency Fund Nearly Empty

The United Nations' top official has issued a severe warning about the world's main emergency response fund. He says it is running out of money. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is "running on empty." This fund provides immediate money for sudden crises like natural disasters and conflicts. Donations to CERF have dropped sharply. This threatens its ability to act quickly when disasters strike. "In many places, CERF has made the difference between life-saving help and no help at all," Guterres said. The fund is a critical first source of money. It allows UN agencies and their partners to begin work within hours of a new emergency. A lack of funding could delay vital aid like food, water, and medicine to millions of people. Guterres called on all countries to increase their contributions. He emphasized that the fund's work is a matter of life and death for vulnerable populations worldwide.