Deputy Director General Lauratuulia Lehtinen appointed to Advisory Group of UN Central Emergency Response Fund

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Deputy Director General, Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Lauratuulia Lehtinen to the Advisory Group of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for a three-year term.

CERF is a rapid-response, strategic and effective humanitarian fund that responds to sudden-onset disasters and aims to ensure sufficient funding for protracted, underfunded crises. The fund is managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Decisions on channelling support through CERF are made by UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher.

Finland is a long-term supporter of CERF, providing EUR 5 million in support for the fund in 2026. In addition, Finland is preparing EUR 2 million in funding for this year to support CERF’s efforts to strengthen disability inclusion in humanitarian assistance.

The CERF Advisory Group comprises experts appointed by the Secretary-General upon nomination by states. The group provides policy guidance and expert advice to support the effectiveness and efficiency of CERF’s activities. It meets twice a year, with its next meeting scheduled for late 2026. A Finnish representative last served on the Advisory Group from 2017 to 2020.