ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs 2013

CERF will be holding its first policy side-event under ECOSOC's Humanitarian Affairs Segment this year. Panel members at the event will discuss whether there is a phase of an emergency when CERF’s impact is maximized: e.g. at the earliest stages when funds can help kick-start initial response efforts, or at an emergency’s height where needs are better defined? Through this dialogue, the panel will:

• Discuss the optimal timing and size of CERF allocations;
• Explore CERF’s ability to leverage additional funds for a crisis; and
• Debate the effectiveness of providing CERF funds to mega-emergencies where its impact may be negligible given the overall operational needs of a crisis.

Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms. Valerie Amos, will host the event and will be accompanied by the following distinguished panel members:

• Ms. Elisabeth Rasmusson, Assistant Executive Director, World Food Programme
• Mr. Robert Piper, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel
• Mr. Radhouane Nouicer, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria
• Mr. Eugene Owusu, Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia