Third International Summit on Food Security

[Video message]
 

President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Shmyhal, Excellencies,

It is an honour to address the Third International Summit on Food Security, hosted by the Government of Ukraine.

As we meet, global food security remains a top priority for the United Nations, because even as food prices have come down since the record high in March 2022, issues of volatility and affordability persist in vulnerable economies, particularly with depreciating local currencies driving high domestic food prices.

Let’s remember that the poorest are the most vulnerable to high food prices as they dedicate 45% of their income to food consumption.

The latest report on The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 estimates that there are around 730 million people facing food insecurity, an increase of 152 million compared to 2019. 

Africa remains the region with the largest estimated proportion of the population facing hunger, with one out of five persons facing hunger in 2023. 

The world is still far off-track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and especially Goal 2 on “zero hunger”.

This is why since the early days of the invasion, the United Nations has underscored the critical importance of Ukraine as one of the world’s breadbaskets and has sought to enable the continued flow of food from Ukraine to global markets.

The European Union Solidarity Lanes and the breakthrough of the Black Sea Initiative supported a drastic reduction in the FAO Price Index, dropping more than 23% from July 2022 to June 2023.

The opening of the Ukrainian maritime corridor has been a significant success since then, enabling continued exports of over 75 million metric tonnes – a majority of which are estimated to be agricultural products – including transporting food for the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative.

This has helped to stabilize food prices, essential for food security, while also representing an important contribution for the Ukrainian economy.

However, risks of instability and escalation in the Black Sea persist.

In the context of continued disruptions of the Panama Canal and the Red Sea, ensuring well-functioning global trade from the Black Sea is critical for global food security, especially for developing countries.

Civilian ships and other related infrastructure, such as ports and silos, are protected under international humanitarian law and should never be a target of military attacks.

Going forward, it is critical to bring down transaction costs, in particular insurance and freight, to ensure that trade remains commercially viable for Ukrainian farmers. 

To this end, the United Nations has been engaged closely with the private sector and development partners, in support of initiatives to explore more affordable insurance and shipping options.

Freedom of navigation of civilian shipping in the Black Sea needs to be a priority for effective, cost-efficient trade and for global food security. This will require concerted diplomatic efforts and political will.

It is high time for a just peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

We stand ready to use our good offices and to make available the tools and experience of the United Nations in support of all meaningful efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

I thank you.