The head of the United Nations reaffirmed his support for agreements to ensure food and fertilizer exports from Ukraine and Russia |
The Black Sea Grains Initiativean agreement brokered by the UN and Türkiye in July, set to reintroduce vital food and fertilizer exports from Ukraine to the rest of the world, runs out in the second half of November, but it may be extended, if all parties, including Russia and Ukraine, agree.
In one statement launched on Friday, Mr. Guterres promised that the UN would continue to engage actively and regularly with all parties towards that end. “We stress the urgency of doing so to contribute to food security around the world, and to ease the pain this global cost of living crisis is causing for thousands of people,” he said. billion people”.
“If food and fertilizers do not reach global markets now, farmers will not have fertilizer at the right time and at the price they can afford when the growing season begins, endangering crops. planted in all regions of the world by 2023 and 2024, causing severe impacts. on food production and food prices worldwide. The current affordability crisis will turn into an availability crisis.“
Mr. Guterres reiterated the positive effects of the Black Sea Grains Initiative to date: since it was signed, exports of cereals and other food products – are closely monitored by the Center The joint coordination, including representatives from the Russian Federation, Türkiye, Ukraine and the UN – surpassed nine million tons.
It also contributed to lower prices for wheat and other commodities, which skyrocketed after Russia invaded Ukraine: FAO The Food Index, which measures the monthly change in the international price of a basket of food commodities, has declined for seven consecutive months and, according to United Nations estimates, has been indirect prevent an estimated 100 million people from falling into extreme poverty.
The head of the United Nations called on all parties to make every effort to renew the Black Sea Grains Initiative and make the most of both agreements, including urgently removing all remaining obstacles to the Russian grain and fertilizer exports.
“Governments, shipping companies, grain and fertilizer traders and farmers around the world are seeking clarity about the future,” he declared.
