Thank you, Under Secretary General, Jan Egeland.

It is a great pleasure to participate in this High Level Conference. As an active member in discussions on ‘Good Humanitarian Donorship’ we have emphasized the need for timely, predictable and effective funding. The CERF has provided exactly that since its inception. We are pleased with the CERF’s functioning to date and have seen considerable improvements in its administration since the somewhat untidy startup phase. Humanitarian coordinators and UN agencies have found their way to the CERF, supported by OCHA’s field and Headquarters staff. And important humanitarian action has been undertaken with the assistance of the CERF. Continuing to improve the CERF’s operations is an essential task for OCHA in the coming period. Among other things, how humanitarian NGO’s, who provide a large part of the humanitarian assistance on the ground, can benefit from the CERF should be further discussed. We wish to emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability of CERF disbursements. It is crucial for the UN to apply the highest standards in this regard. We look forward to the first full annual report of the CERF in the spring of 2007 and the independent review planned for late 2007.

Earlier this month, we doubled our contribution for 2006 to a total of 40 million €, equaling almost 50 million $. We are pleased to announce the same amount for 2007: 40 million €. We are also making this a three year commitment. Doubling our contribution to the CERF was also inspired by the recommendation of the High Level Panel on System Wide Coherence for a target of 500 million $ for the CERF. By doubling our contribution and making this a multi-year commitment, we have seized the first opportunity to implement its recommendations. We are sure others will do the same.

Last, but certainly not least, a word of gratitude to Jan Egeland, if not the ‘father’, then certainly the ‘mother’ of the CERF. You have led the humanitarian community’s efforts with dedication and inspiration over the past four years, reminding us constantly of the plight of those most in need.

Thank you M. Vice-President.