Secretary-General Grynspan was awarded the 2024 Doha Best Negotiator of the Year for her pivotal role in international diplomacy.
© UN Trade and Development | Rebeca Grynspan (centre) receives the 2024 Doha Best Negotiator Award, joined by UNITAR Executive Director Michelle Gyles-McDonnough (left) and Ambassador Hend Abdalrahman AL-MUFTAH of Qatar (right).
On 31 May 2025, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan received the 2024 Doha Best Negotiator of the Year Award for her pivotal role in international diplomacy, particularly her instrumental contribution to the Istanbul Agreements.
A lifeline for global grain exports
The Black Sea Initiative, brokered by the United Nations and Türkiye in July 2022, facilitated the safe export of over 32 million tonnes of grain and other foodstuffs from Ukrainian ports to 45 countries across three continents.
Key to stabilizing food prices
Together with the Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation, which facilitates continued exports of Russian food and fertilizer to global markets within relevant sanctions exemptions, these agreements were crucial in stabilizing global food prices.
By June 2023, the FAO Food Price Index had fallen more than 23% below the record high reached in March 2022, helping avert the effects of a potential worldwide food crisis.
Power of diplomacy
Ms. Grynspan's leadership in these complex negotiations exemplifies the power of diplomacy in addressing global challenges.
The efforts of the United Nations, which she led, not only ensured the continuity of essential food supplies but also promoted international cooperation during a time of war and significant geopolitical tensions.