On February 19, 2023, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that the UN will allocate $250 million from its emergency fund to address "forgotten crises" around the world. The funds will go towards helping communities facing the risk of famine in Africa, as well as other regions in need.

The UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) was created in 2006 to provide rapid funding for humanitarian emergencies. It is an essential tool for humanitarian organizations, allowing them to respond quickly and effectively to crises around the world. The fund has provided assistance to millions of people in need, including those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and disease outbreaks.

The $250 million allocation is the largest ever made from the CERF, and comes at a time when many communities around the world are facing significant challenges. In particular, the risk of famine in Africa is of great concern. According to the UN, more than 41 million people in 42 countries are currently experiencing acute food insecurity, and the situation is expected to worsen in the coming months.

The funds will be used to provide life-saving assistance to those most in need, including food and nutrition support, water and sanitation, and healthcare. They will also be used to support education and protection services for vulnerable communities, including women and children.

In addition to the risk of famine in Africa, the funds will also be used to address other "forgotten crises" around the world. These include conflicts and natural disasters in countries such as Yemen, Syria, and Haiti, which have been ongoing for many years but have received limited attention and support.

Guterres emphasized the importance of supporting communities in need, stating that "we cannot turn our backs on those who are suffering. The CERF is a crucial tool for ensuring that we can provide rapid, lifesaving assistance to those most in need, wherever they may be."

The UN's allocation of $250 million from the CERF is a positive step towards addressing the many humanitarian crises facing the world today. However, much more support is needed to ensure that all communities in need receive the assistance they require. Governments, humanitarian organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in providing this support and ensuring that no one is left behind.