As humanitarian needs soar to unprecedented levels, top UN officials on Friday highlighted the importance of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in supporting emergencies and responding rapidly to crises, calling it "a lifeline of hope."

According to the recently released Global Humanitarian Overview, 339 million people will need emergency assistance next year – 65 million more people than this year – a 25 percent increase and the highest number ever recorded.

"We all face difficult economic times. But the most vulnerable people are hit hardest. CERF is the tried and tested way to help them," UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a major pledging event.

CERF prioritises those most likely to be marginalised and left behind, including people with disabilities, older people, women and girls.

"Last year, over half of the beneficiaries were women and girls, and close to six percent were people with disabilities. CERF spending on protection reached a record of more than $84 million," according to the UN.

Read: CERF allocates $9 million to Rohingya response in Bangladesh

"This year, it has ensured that hundreds of thousands of women in Lebanon, Somalia and other countries, receive services related to gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive healthcare."

So far this year, CERF has allocated more than $700 million to support millions in need of urgent assistance throughout some 40 countries.

This included kick-starting operations in Ukraine on February 24, the date of Russia's invasion, as well as rapidly responding to weather-related emergencies, such as in Cuba, which was hit by Hurricane Ian, and supporting recovery in Pakistan following the devastating floods and landslides there.

In 2022, CERF also provided $200 million to address worsening food insecurity in the most-affected countries, as well as $250 million towards critically underfunded humanitarian operations in 23 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East.

Read: Rohingya crisis: CERF allocates $3mn to NGOs for COVID-19 response

For 2023, 39 donors announced $409 million in CERF contributions, falling just short of the $467.7 million pledged at last year's event.

However, additional funding is anticipated as several donors announced that pledges are forthcoming.

CERF's member state-agreed annual funding target of $1 billion has never been achieved.
At the pledging event, Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said the high level of humanitarian needs outstrips the resources available. "Next year must be the year of solidarity."