Global Food Security and the Black Sea – the need for restoring freedom of navigation

So, dear colleagues, can I kindly ask you to take your seats so we can start? Yes. So, dear colleagues, let's start with this event. Thank you for being here. Really important topic. So, thank you for joining this event on Black Sea and global food security in broader sense, where we are showcasing the EU's call for Black Sea grain arrangement. Our Ukrainian friends are joining us. I mean, the minister will be with us soon. They have a bilateral agreement with President Trump, so it takes time. But going to the topic, Russia's war of aggression has consequences that reach beyond Ukraine. Back in 2022, when the prices of agricultural products began to soar worldwide, it became clear to all the strategic importance of the Black Sea for global security, for international trade, for energy and food security. And Ukraine is one of the world's most important important agricultural exporters. It supplies 15% of global maize exports, 10% of wheat, 15 to 20% of barley, and 50, 5-0, percent of global sunflower oil exports. Around 90% of these goods move through the Black Sea corridor, which remains the most important route for Ukrainian grain to reach international markets. Since August, however, exports through Black Sea have effectively grounded to halt. Yet again, Russia's escalating attacks have made commercial shipping unviable. The conflict in the Gulf, combined with the effects of climate change, are also stressing global food production and supply chains. Food must never be used as a weapon. in the Black Sea or anywhere else. Wars make affordable food disappear from dinner tables of millions of people around the globe. But the EU is helping to reduce that impact. In 2025 alone, the EU mobilized 2.1 billion euro to strengthen food security globally through both short-term relief and supporting long-term resilience. In Ukraine, specifically, the EU is helping to alleviate the immediate consequences by identifying grain storage options, keeping farmers and agri-food SMEs afloat who cannot sell this year, and facilitating border crossings for cargo. Since May 2022, the EU solidarity lanes have facilitated trade to the tune of around 304 billion euro. However, the looming global food crisis demands a wider diplomatic Let's look at what has worked in the past. Between 2022 and 2023, the Black Sea Grain Initiative was instrumental in stopping a global food security crisis from happening. I'm glad we are joined today by OCHA, UNOPS, and the World Food Programme. What has been done since then, or what was done then, and what can be also done now? Together, the international community should encourage diplomatic efforts to ensure that there is safe passage of civilian vessels, protect the critical infrastructure, and restore vital global trade routes. And if Russia simply stopped its attacks in the Black Sea, farmers, traders, and international food markets would have the predictability they need at this critical moment. And on top of the Ukrainian calls for a full and unconditional ceasefire since March 2025, the presence of President Zelensky, I hope he can join, or Foreign Minister Zbyh with us today shows that Ukraine has been once again ready to work for the diplomatic solution this so much requires. So as we don't have the Ukrainian representative. So I will first give the floor to my co-chair, Jean-Noel Barrot, the Foreign Minister of France. Please, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Kaja, Madam Vice-President. Ministers, ladies and gentlemen, let me first thank Kaja Kallas for convening this important discussion and pay tribute to all those who keep grain and food going out of Ukraine's ports, often at tremendous personal risk. France stands firmly by the side of Ukraine. For more than four and a half years, Russia's war of aggression has continuously targeted the fields, the barns, the ports, and the ships that feed the world. The relentless attacks are not simply attacks on Ukraine. They constitute a deliberate and cynical strategy to strangle agricultural trade and jeopardize food security across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Let us be clear about what's at stake. Ukraine has historically supplied between 7 and 10% of the world's grain exports. A prolonged blockade of its deep-sea ports could impose a considerable cost to Ukraine's economy, while the human cost will be paid far beyond Ukraine's borders by the most vulnerable populations. These intensifying attacks come at a time when global food security is already stressed by climate change, with El Nino set to become very strong this year, and by the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on fertilizers trade. This is why France supports, without any reservation, the call for a moratorium on attacks against civilian vessels, ports, and export infrastructure in the Black Sea. Ukraine put forward such a proposal on the 13th of August. It was cynically rejected by Russia. We regret this refusal and we renew our call on Russia to accept it and to stop weaponizing grain supply. Responding to the immediate consequences of aggression and war is not enough. France is also committed to building global food security and nutrition through resilience activities. In the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, France has made a point of supporting food security in Africa through the Farm Project, a commitment reaffirmed during the Africa Forward Summit that will help increase funding for smallholders farmers. French G7 presidency is putting the protection of grain exports in the Black Sea on top of its agenda. We discussed this matter yesterday evening together with Minister Cebia to mobilize international support. We are also proud to champion, alongside our partners, the School Meals Coalition, which today brings together more than 100 countries, including Ukraine, determined to ensure that every child everywhere can learn with a full stomach. In 2025, we also hosted the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris, which secured more than US$30 billion in pledges to fight against malnutrition. Food security in the Black Sea cannot be separated from the quest for peace. We continue to support a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, one that respects its sovereignty and territorial integrity, that includes an immediate and complete ceasefire starting from the line of contact. Protecting grain shipments is not a substitute for ending this war. It is a first urgent step towards it. The world cannot afford to let hunger become a weapon. France will continue to stand with Ukraine, with the countries most affected by this crisis, and with all those who choose the path of peace over the path of war. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Jean-Noel. And now I give the floor to another co-chair, the Foreign Minister of Romania, Oana Toia, please.

Thank you very much. First of all, thank you, Karakallis, for convening this. And Minister Barrot, it's a very important conversation, looking forward to Minister Cibihad to join us. I'm speaking now on behalf of Romania because we are the country that is facilitating the transit currently for most of the cereals coming out of Ukraine through the port of Constanza in the Black Sea. In the same time, we're also one of the main grain producers inside the European Union. And I mentioned this just to clarify that the risks that we see at the Black Sea are absolutely essential to be tackled, first of all, to allow for the food security we need across the world. And it is great that Ukraine has taken on the leadership on this to propose a very clear solution that we have now on the table. And here at UN throughout this week, we can make it hopefully together a reality. Russia's continuous attacks against Ukraine ports and maritime infrastructure are not only attacks against Ukraine, but they threaten one of the essential channels through which food reaches global markets. And it puts additional pressure on countries and populations already exposed to food insecurity. And in the same time, it increases the price of access to food everywhere, even in countries that do not face the challenge of food insecurity. but that face the pressure of cost of living in general. So in that sense, I think all countries have a mandate, an indirect mandate from their citizens to contribute to a solution. What happens in the Black Sea, therefore, has consequences far beyond the region in Africa, Middle East and Asia. And we have also seen the challenge firsthand. It is often that when a Ukrainian infrastructure is attacked, especially on the Danube or specifically the transit infrastructure, those have become increasingly closer to our border and we have seen more than just in the recent months, more than 100 incursions. One specific case at the border crossing was exactly when the shipments were taking place. And again, I'm speaking about grain shipments, which in absolutely no angle can be seen as a military threat. Since the beginning of Russia's full scale aggression, almost 60 million of Ukrainian grain and agri-food products have transited Romania to the Constanza Harbor and through the Black Sea to the global markets. What we've done in the last year is we've extended capacity on the entire logistical chain, port of Constanza, the lower Danube, a border crossing, and the longer road and rail connections. We have done so in close coordination with Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, actually just A couple of days ago in Chisinau, President Icușor Dan has met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Maia Sandu together with us, ministers, specifically to map what are the bottlenecks now and what need to be done. Of course, the European Commission has played a key role throughout this with the EU Solidarity Lanes framework. Now, we have put forward the national investment and sustained efforts, but we do understand this is not enough in terms of the volumes that need to transit and the volumes that need to reach the global markets. And that is why we're strong supporters of the solution put forward today. There's a limit to what alternative routes can achieve, and especially given the high risk of accident, bottlenecks, and pollution. Land and river corridors can mitigate the impact of disruptions, but they cannot replace the Black Sea as the main maritime gateway for grain exports. That's why protecting the freedom of navigation and commercial shipping in the Black Sea is not just a regional concern, it's a global food security imperative. What we are doing at the Black Sea, for example, is together with Bulgaria and Turkey at the NATO Ankara Summit, we have finish the partnership to protect critical infrastructure. But it is essential the work that we're doing with Bulgaria and Turkey inside NATO and, of course, in strong partnership with Ukraine on the demining activities. And that is an ongoing work, as we see an increased number of drifting mines and recently drifting drones in the Black Sea. We also believe it is needed that the operational work for the maritime security hub is into place so that we have that infrastructure in Romania and Bulgaria by end of the year to be able to have a proper and more timely exchange of information with Ukraine as well and other countries at the Black Sea and institutions. From the Black Sea to the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, the message is clear. Attacks on vital maritime routes do not remain confined to the waters where they occur. They threaten global food security, energy, and economic stability. To put it simply, in face of the challenges, we're all in the same boat. No infrastructure or national effort can substitute the basic principle of commercial shipping and food export infrastructure must be protected. Since late July, the systematic attacks against Ukrainian ports and vessels operating through these maritime corridors have demonstrated how vulnerable this lifeline remains. A moratorium on attacks affecting food exports could therefore serve as a practical confidence-building measure as well. It is one of the areas where we do also think that all of the countries at the Black Sea and all of us around the table have a direct interest for the moratorium. So it can be one of the fast measures of confidence building that we need for the overall peace conversation going forward. It is complemented, not replacing the broader objective of a full and unconditional ceasefire. We stand ready to continue doing our efforts. And we encourage the UN, European Union, and all our allies and partners to promote this moratorium further. Thank you for your leadership.

Thank you very much. And now I want to give the floor to the agencies who play a key role in food delivery and alleviating the situation in many affected countries caused by the impediment of grain exports from the Black Sea. So first, I will give the floor to you, Tom, please.

Thank you, Kyia, thank you, High Representative, and thank you to the Co-chairs, Excellencies, colleagues. I will select my words more carefully than I usually do because it has been made clear from a number of quarters that we must stick to a purely humanitarian intervention at this stage. So let me offer you that, firstly, the humanitarian perspective. Of course, our position is straightforward. It applies to all parties equally. Civilians and civilian objects must be protected everywhere by everyone. International humanitarian law must be respected by all sides. Safe navigation and the movement of food to global markets must always be safeguarded by all sides, everyone, everywhere. Let me perhaps add a couple of extra points based on my recent visit to Ukraine. We've discussed already yesterday's meeting, the situation with drones. The other big concern during that visit was, of course, the humanitarian situation through the winter, particularly power supplies. And then thirdly, this issue of the situation across the Black Sea. Rania will be able to speak in much more detail about the consequences of the lack of transit of maritime convoys across the Black Sea for countries well beyond the region. So these are countries where when ports, shipping, grain infrastructure is placed at risk, the effects are felt far, far, far beyond the Black Sea, across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. And so people who are playing no part in this war are paying a big consequence for it. So we do need to restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. We need civilian shipping to be able to move safely, ports and infrastructure to be protected, so food can continue reaching global markets. And this very practical objective should not have to wait for wider progress on the political settlement. And as you've said, Kai, we've demonstrated in the past that practical arrangements are possible with the Black Sea Grain Initiative, even in the midst of war, when there is sufficient political will. And the Secretary-General has made clear, including in in meetings that George and I have just been in with the president of Turkey and others that we are ready to work with all parties to support practical arrangements. UNOPS are the experts on the mechanism that could be developed to reduce the risks to civilian shipping and help to restore safe navigation and food exports. If we can do that and reduce those risks and keep food moving safely, then that will be serious and significant and welcome humanitarian progress in its most independent, impartial and neutral spirit. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Tom. And now I want to give the floor to World Food Program, Deputy Executive Director of of. Sorry, Rania Dagash Kamara, please.

Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, thank you for organizing this side event, and thank you, Tom, for your comments, which we fully support. If we can advance solutions that can get more food and agriculture supplies through not only the Black Sea, but also the other two maritime corridors being choked today, then this could be one of the most important conversations at UNGA. Why? Because there's 266 million people today that are acutely hungry across the world, and there's a risk of tens of millions more joining them if the disruptions to maritime trade and the triple choke point continue on for experts on agricultural inputs in the Black Sea, in the Strait of Hormuz, and in Bab el-Mandeb. Because with these choke points and the disruption, supply is down in local markets where we procure. Because commodity prices have shot up and the shock to energy markets have driven higher fuel prices. So what has all that done? Brought higher production costs, more complications to farmers planning the next harvest. Because the poorest households are being priced out of the basics in life. and higher farming costs have put the future harvest in peril. Because we're worried about the long-term risk if shipping lanes remain shut. Because farmers may have far less incentives for the 2027 harvest. Hence, it's in everyone's interest to find solutions so that food and agricultural inputs keep flowing. We are on course for a much larger threat to global food security and wider stability unless urgent action is taken. And hence, humanitarian corridors must remain open and the flow of food and core agricultural commodities must continue safely and predictably. The key now is back with you. It's for member states to prioritize working on the measures to put this into practice and to build the consensus. I do hope that this conversation will be the first step in that direction. And with that, I thank you.

Thank you very much. I also want to acknowledge the presence of Under Secretary General of UNOPS, Jorge Moreira de Silva, being present here because you have been closely involved of this issue through the contacts with different stakeholders. And with that, I also want to give the floor to the International Chamber of Commerce, the Secretary General, John Denton, who has been involved in the creation of the Black Sea Corridor in 2022. So maybe to highlight the lessons learn from there. So over to you.

Thank you very much. And thanks for also including the voice of the private sector in this discussion. The International Chamber of Commerce that I represent, we're in 170 countries. Actually, we're in all your economies. But importantly, we're also in 70% of the ICCs in the global south. And the reason I say that is that recent developments in the Black Sea underscore a fundamental reality. When critical trade routes are disrupted, the consequences are felt far beyond the immediate conflict zone, and we feel it at the ICC through our antenna on the ground immediately. We see and feel the tremors coming. They are felt by a farmer in East Africa waiting for fertilizer, by a family facing rising food prices, and by humanitarian agencies struggling to secure supplies for the world's most vulnerable populations. Let's be clear, the private sector that we represent is deeply concerned by a convergence of food security risks. The blockade of key Black Sea ports, continued disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, and by the way, I proudly work with UN Ops in developing the mechanism that could be deployed to alleviate some of that when the political circumstances arise that may give life to it. and the potential return, obviously, of El Nino conditions. These all threaten to place additional strain on what are already very fragile food systems. The full effects may not be visible today. In fact, they are likely to emerge only in the coming months through reduced harvests, tighter supplies and higher prices. But that is precisely why there is a strong case for early, coordinated, preventive action right now. So in this context, the ICC strongly welcomes the effort to focus attention on the Black Sea. At the International Chamber of Commerce, we have seen the importance of timely action before. We conceived of, actually, Minister, in my office in Paris, the concept note which actually gave birth to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and I took it to the Secretary-General with a strategy about how it could be delivered. We helped support the development of that and then worked with UNCTAD to deliver it. A very good example, by the way, of something which is rarely seen, which is public-private collaboration in the multilateral space, and frankly, it delivers. We brought the perspective of business operating across agricultural supply chains, shipping networks, and commodity markets. We know what it takes to get the ecosystem, which actually surrounds the economy, which needs to be pushed functioning. This initiative demonstrated what international cooperation can achieve. You know, nearly 33 million tonnes of grain and food products were exported through a humanitarian maritime corridor, helping to stabilise markets. In fact, the announcement of the coordination possible through the Black Sea Grain Initiative immediately dropped food prices by 13 to 15%. We're able to reduce those food prices and support critical humanitarian operations around the world. But perhaps its most important achievement was restoring confidence. It showed that trade can be a powerful humanitarian tool when political cooperation exists. Today, and we are very present, in fact, we keep the private sector functioning in Ukraine. Our network there is sending a clear message. There is an urgent need to get grain moving again before storage capacity, and this is a misunderstood or poorly understood issue. Storage capacity will be reached in the coming six weeks. Delays will have consequences not only for Ukraine, but for global food availability and affordability. ICC therefore stands ready to work with the international partners to ensure that any solution to reopen the Black Sea is commercially and economically workable, operationally practical, and capable of supporting the scale of exports, that's important, the scale of exports required in the months ahead. The lesson from the Black Sea experience is clear. Preventing a food crisis is a hell of a lot easier than responding to one. So the time to act is before the impacts are visible, not after they are felt. Thank you for the opportunity to participate on this, and your recognition that the private sector has a role to play and should play a role in this discussion.

Absolutely, private sector is vital, I mean, working together with organizations and the countries around the table. I'm happy that we have so many foreign ministers present. So let me now give the floor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade from Ireland, Helen McEntee, please.

And thank you to our Thank you to our friends and colleagues in Romania and France, and of course Ukraine, for organising today's discussion and again shining a light on what are significant challenges on global food security as a result of Russia's absolutely appalling actions. in the Black Sea. These are, as we've heard, impeding Ukraine's ability to export its grain, its agricultural products freely and safely. They're losing valuable revenues, again, grain that's sitting in silos, unable to be exported, causing significant hardship, not just for its agricultural sector, but at a time when it clearly needs these finances at a very difficult time. It's not merely an issue of concern for Ukraine, and I suppose that's why we're here, and that's why it's so important that we have so many other colleagues here as well. Continued instability in the greater for most, the worsening climate and El Nino-related impacts on agricultural production globally, with disruption to shipping in the Black Sea, has really become such an important contributory factor to what might be a very, very difficult crisis on our doorstep. And of course, we can all see it from an agricultural farming community, the impact it's having on fertilizer, on food prices, and the ability to produce food at a price and a rate that we need it to is significant. But this goes obviously far beyond Europe and will affect the lives and livelihoods of millions and millions of people. It is a solvable problem and I suppose that's why we are here. The key issue is that despite best efforts, there's currently no fully effective alternative to Black Sea shipping grains. So we need to make the Black Sea work. And again, that means effort from everybody in this room. We should be clear that food must never be used as a weapon of war. Valuable or vulnerable people far from the region should not be casualties of Russia's war of aggression with which they have absolutely nothing to do. We should also be clear that the blockages, the impediments and the risks in the Black Sea are entirely man made and as a result of Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine, the interruption of international shipping and the interface with freedom of navigation is a violation of international law. And so as a collective Our objective should be to exert all of our influence to put a stop to attacks on cargo vessels in the Black Sea. Ukraine must be able to export its agricultural produce. Countries dependent on those supplies should not be made increasingly vulnerable through attacks on maritime trade and infrastructure. Again, due to the attacks by the Russian military operations, global food security is on the brink of a crisis. And so this positive collective action that we are undertaking here today can mitigate against the worst results of such a crisis. So we welcome this renewed effort. We welcome this renewed focus. We will, of course, play our part and do whatever we can. And we will, of course, continue to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the respect for international law, freedom of navigation, and, above all, the protection of their citizens. Thank you.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Velislava Petrova Tziamova.

Thank you, Kaya. And thank you all for the really timely initiative. I will try not to repeat what my colleague said and focus on two parts. First, we really will join the call for a moratorium on attacking the Black Sea and the full unconditional ceasefire there. It's extremely important, as everybody said, not just about the region, but broader food security. I want to outline two initiatives, one of them mentioned by my Romanian colleague about the Black Sea security hub, and really hope that we would manage to keep the momentum and show that this is an initiative that helps not only the countries in the region, but also is an asset to the entire EU. And that's something that is really important for the Black Sea resilience. I also want to highlight a second initiative where Bulgaria will host next year a regional connectivity summit, trying to really put forward the topic of how do we overcome global choke points and how do we ensure that our region can have this alternative routes. You can't have connectivity, you can't have truly, you can't fully use the middle corridor if you don't have safe navigation and shipping through the Black Sea. So that's a prerequisite there. And that's something that it's really important for us too. So I really encourage you to watch forward and participate in those initiatives because it really allows us to bring concrete ideas forward and to really ensure that we have food security that all of our citizens deserve. Thank.

You. Thank you. And now I give the floor to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Jani Torvan, please.

Thank you, dear Kaja, Jean-Noel, Oana, for organizing this very important meeting and also bringing global attention to the dire situation in the Black Sea region that affects countries near and far and bring to the global food situation to our attention and agenda. Since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine, security in the Black Sea region has become a regular issue of discussion, and I believe it's timely that we also discuss it at the UN setting here in New York. Our common efforts must bring and enforce stability and resilience of all states of the region, and this is important not only for the region, but for the global food security as well. Russia's attacks against Ukraine's ports, ships, and grain facilities are unacceptable. Weaponizing food and endangering civilians and civil infrastructure is equally unacceptable. Food, food supply should never be allowed to be weaponized. Mining sea lanes also undermines supply lines of grains many vulnerable countries around the world depend on. And as we know, and it was already said, the sea lanes cannot easily be replaced through land routes. As a neighbor of Ukraine, we know this well. So it's high time to bring this attention, to bring this issue here to the UN, which affects all of us, not only countries near, but also far away. Hence, I am supporting the call for the moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea and ensuring that we have the freedom of navigation, ensuring that we have access countries and people, populations who have a dire need for those grains, which are right now in the storage facilities in Ukraine, have access to it. Thank you.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Beris Akinci. Please.

Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, we have endeavored to keep the Black Sea out of the conflict. Thanks to our meticulous implementation of the Montreal Convention and the launch of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, we succeeded in this goal until recently. However, in recent months, increasing attacks against civilian vessels in the Black Sea pose a serious threat in the region. We are particularly alarmed by the attacks targeting Turkish-flagged and Turkish-owned vessels, including within Turkey's exclusive economic zone and search and rescue region. So far, at least 54 Turkish-owned, operated merchant vessels have been attacked. These attacks have resulted in the death of four Turkish citizens, while many more have been wounded. Such attacks are unacceptable, regardless of the motive behind them. The situation in the Black Sea also poses risks to global food security. It increasingly resembles the one that emerged following the outbreak of the war in 2022. Following the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative by Russia in July 2023, Turkey, together with the UN, focused on devising a new arrangement to ensure safety of commercial navigation. Although an understanding was reached between the sides in 2024, it fell through at the last minute, unfortunately. We cannot accept the current situation in the Black Sea as the new normal. The Black Sea Grain Initiative proved that diplomacy could indeed yield concrete results. Bridging the different views of the warring sides is certainly not an easy task. However, we spare no effort to achieve a breakthrough. Furthermore, we maintain our dialogue with the UN on this issue and hope that an agreement can be reached in the Black Sea as soon as possible. We believe that such an agreement would also give momentum to diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Culture of Liechtenstein, Sabine Monani.

Thank you for convening this meeting and thank you to today's briefers who have set out the challenges we face so eloquently. Liechtenstein, as always, stands with Ukraine and with its people. In the brief time I have today, I will focus on two aspects of the situation in the Black Sea: food security and maritime security. Russia's aggression against Ukraine is not only a full-scale attack on its independence, but also on the very symbols of its existence. Ukraine for so long has been the breadbasket of Europe, exemplified in its flag, showing a clear blue sky over golden fields of wheat. Yet today, around 25% of Ukraine's territory is suspected of contamination. And as it is well known, Russia has attempted to block the export of grain from Ukraine's Black Sea ports and continues to do so. We were pleased to see the UN leading on the Black Sea grain initiative, and we encourage both incumbent and incoming secretaries general to pursue exactly these kinds of peacemaking initiatives. The Russian Federation's actions in the Black Sea show how threats to maritime security can have far-reaching consequences for global food security. As a key route for the export of agricultural commodities, the Black Sea depends on the effective application of a common legal framework at sea. We recognize the role of UNCLOS in governing rights and obligations for all states at sea, as it reflects customary international law. Increasing sophistication and scale of Russia's shadow fleets are particularly concerning, undermining sanctions enforcement and maritime safety. Liechtenstein supports efforts to enhance maritime surveillance and enforcement to address these alarming developments. At a time when waterways around the world are at threat and hunger is increasingly weaponized, states must guarantee safer maritime corridors for the provision of essential commodities and uphold the maritime security rules that make such passages a reality. I thank you.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Don Berendsen, please.

Thank you, Kaja, and thank you for all the co-hosts of this timely meeting. We've seen that in recent weeks, Russia has changed tactics. Attacks are now also on ports, ships, border crossings, civilian infrastructure, in broad daylight. And these attacks have severely disrupted Ukrainian exports. The Ukrainian economy, which depends heavily on farming and agri-food businesses, has been hit hard. And the impact goes far beyond Ukraine. Millions of families may face rising prices and hunger if the Russian attacks continue. And this tactic is deeply irresponsible. That's why the Netherlands supports the moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea, being initiated by Ukraine and the European Commission. It should ensure that the food experts can reach global markets and the countries that depend on Ukrainian grain and other wheat products. At least three more measures are also crucial. Temporary storage of grain, working capital for farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises, and alternative export routes for grain and other products. And in this context, we also support the World Bank, World Food Programme, and the FAO. These organizations are working to install grain sleeves for storage and to provide capital to farmers and other businesses to help get them through the next season. And I urge EU member states to strengthen the solidarity lanes so that Ukraine can continue its food exports to global markets. The Netherlands will continue to stand by Ukraine, offering both military and non-military support, and together we will continue our commitment to Ukraine. We must remain united in confronting Russia's aggression and in safeguarding global food security. Thank you.

Thank you. Now I give the floor to Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, Ed Miliband. Please, Ed.

Thank you. And can I thank you and French, Romanian, and Ukrainian partners for bringing us together on this crucial topic. And I will echo the words of many people who have already spoken around this table. This issue matters to the people of Ukraine, but it also matters to us all. It's about whether millions of people can put food on the table. and Russia's actions matter to every country represented in this room and indeed countries that are not here too. Before Russia's full-scale invasion, millions of people depended on food exported through Ukraine's Black Sea ports, and we know that the impact of the disruption is having far-reaching consequences. We also know, as others have said, where the blame lies. First, Russia tried to block Ukrainian exports, then it walked away from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Now it is attacking grain exports, port infrastructure and civilian merchant vessels. And it is not just Ukrainians who are paying the price. It's important to say that seafarers, including from India and Egypt, have been killed. And the countries least able to absorb another shock are being hit the hardest. Ukraine has repeatedly offered a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and of course Russia has refused. So what can we do? This meeting is important. We have to respond together and speak with one voice in calling on Russia to stop these attacks and agree to the ceasefire that Ukraine has already offered. And as Tom has said just now, together we can also help limit the damage by keeping exports flowing, supporting alternative routes and protecting safe passage for commercial shipping. The UK is already working with partners to do exactly that. Royal Navy mine clearance experts are supporting efforts to keep Black Sea shipping routes safe and open. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine on this and every other issue. We have shown before that international cooperation can keep Ukrainian grain reaching the people who need it most, and now is the time for renewed urgency and purpose to do so again. Thank you.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czechia, Petr Machek, please.

Thank you, Kaja. And thank you for organizing this side event. Ladies and gentlemen, when we speak about the war in Ukraine, we often speak about front lines, about missiles, and about territory, etc. But today I think we speak about something much more ordinary. We speak about the price of bread. For millions of people far beyond Europe, the consequences of this war are not measured in kilometers from Kyiv or Odessa. They are measured in food prices and availability, and in uncertainty over whether supplies will reach those who need them. This reminds us one important fact. The Black Sea is not just a regional sea. It is one of the arteries of global trade. When ports, grain terminals or commercial vessels are attacked, the consequences do not stop at Ukraine's borders. They travel through global markets, and eventually reach households in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Ukraine is, of course, paying the highest price for this war, but it is not paying it alone. Whenever I talk to my partners from developing countries here in New York, they confirm the magnitude of the problem. Uh, we are by no means indifferent to their concern, uh, at the same time, I hope to hear their voices here at, uh, UNGA and, uh, elsewhere calling strongly to end the attacks on commercial shipping. Russia bears responsibility for the war it started and for its attacks on Ukrainian expert infrastructure. It is therefore in the interest of the entire international community that Russia engage seriously to end the war. But today I do not want to stop at the question of responsibility. We should also talk about what can be done And as it was already mentioned here, we have a precedent in 2022 with the help of the United Nations and Turkey, the Black Sea Grain Initiative was established. In the middle of a war, we managed to create space for trade and bring Ukrainian food back to global markets. The initiative showed us that even during a war, limited and practical agreements are possible. when there is a strong enough common interest. And we should try it again. Several countries I met here shared with me the efforts they are undertaking. I support every practical proposal in this direction, such as renewed agreement would not end the war, of course, but it could protect civilians, stabilize trade, and ease pressure on food prices. And perhaps it could also demonstrate that diplomacy is still capable of delivering concrete results. The Black Sea must remain a route for trade, not a theater for attacks on civilian shipping and the global food supply chains. Food security can be one of the areas where diplomacy begins to work before the war ends. If there is one place where practical diplomacy can begin, Let it be here. Thank you.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Federal Minister of European and International Affairs of Austria, Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

Thank you, Kaja, and thank you, Oana, Jean-Noel, or France and Ukraine, Andriy, for co-hosting this very important and timely discussion. It has been said, I want to be very clear about what is at stake at the Black Sea. It is not only about Ukraine, and it is not only about Europe. Russia's attacks on Ukrainian ports, civilian vessels and shipping infrastructure have consequences far beyond the region for food prices, for global trade, and ultimately for millions of people. I want to stress in my remarks three points. First of all, food must never become a weapon of war. The Black Sea is a crucial artery for agricultural exports, and there is simply no equivalent substitute for moving these volumes of grain efficiently and at reasonable costs. When Ukrainian ports are attacked and ships cannot sail safely, the consequences are very concrete. Less grain reaches global markets, transport costs rise, and food becomes more expensive. And those who pay the highest price are often those furthest away from this war, particularly vulnerable countries in the global south. For millions already facing hunger, this is not an abstract discussion about shipping routes. It is about whether food remains available and affordable. Second, we know that diplomacy can deliver, even in the middle of the war. The Black Sea Grain Initiative proved exactly that. It was not perfect, but it worked. Ships sailed, grain reached world markets, and pressure on food supplies was reduced. We need this kind of practical diplomacy again. Russia must stop attacking grain infrastructure, ports, and civilian shipping. We call for an immediate moratorium on such attacks. And we need arrangements that allow commercial vessels to sail safely and predictably again. Freedom of navigation is not a technical detail. It is a question of international law and of global economic security. My third point is reopening the Black Sea is necessary, but it is not enough. The wider objective must be to end this war. Ukraine has repeatedly stated its readiness for a negotiated solution. What we need now is a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire that can open the door to serious negotiations on a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the UN Charter and international law. Dear colleagues, diplomacy is the only way forward, but diplomacy needs a serious willingness to negotiate. And if such a window opens, we must be ready to use it. We are preparing currently our seat on the UN Security Council and we want to contribute where Austria has something particular to offer, reliable partnerships, open channels, and Vienna is a place where the world can talk. We host the United Nations, we host the OSCE, we have a long tradition of bringing parties together, so we stand ready to offer our good offices and of course also host talks. Because in the end, our objective must be very simple, ships must be able to sail, Food must be able to reach those who need it. And this war must end. Thank you.

Thank you. My European colleagues know that I'm getting increasingly nervous looking at the time and looking at the list of speakers. So I really ask you to stick to this two minutes so we can manage within this time frame. And now I'll give the floor to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braze, please.

So much.

And I support all the previous speakers.

The fact is that we need to really put pressure on Russia, not just by Europeans or like-minded states, but by those who won't receive the grain, who won't receive the grain in sufficient amounts or at all. So I really ask all the African countries and others who receive the grain from Ukraine to put that pressure to engage Russia and to tell them to open the safe passage from the Black Sea ports. And that needs to be done bilaterally, but also here at the UN, in the Food and Agriculture Organization and other parts. Other part is grain stolen by Russia from Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories. It must not enter international supply chains. So we are strengthening origin checks and we support stronger international monitoring. It's a collective work, but it's a work for all of us together. So please, let's reach out, all of us here and other places, and do what we need to do to ensure that people in Africa, Middle East, and other parts have the food they need. Thank you.

Thank you. And now I'll give the floor to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Barth Eide.

Thank you, Kaja. And so many wise things have been said, which I will try not to repeat. I just want to underline that this is an issue that connects so many themes that we, I think we all care about. The situation in Ukraine, of course, first and foremost, the atrocities committed by Russia, which are totally unacceptable across the board, but also in this destruction of maritime traffic and grain exports, global food security, freedom of navigation. And I think that I want to underline something that Pieter was saying, which I think very important. First, where are I mean, I'm glad we're all here. My country doesn't suffer a food crisis. We have enough food. There are many countries out there who are very affected by this and who should be more interested in this particular issue because their food security is directly linked to Russia's behavior. So let's make that clear to those most affected that they should care about this. But thank you so much for the initiative, but we need to reach out. But also that I think what we're seeing both in the Black Sea, but also in and sadly probably also in Bab al-Mandab with the closing of straits and the restrictions of freedom of navigation will have also a humanitarian consequence. I mean, it's a big problem for the global economy because we are actually now in the midst of transiting from a just-in-time economy to a just-in-case economy, meaning that these open markets of global trade is being destroyed not only by shipping restrictions, also by other policies like tariffs tariffs, but that will mean less transport overseas and more nearshoring. One of the effects of that is that it will be harder to transport necessary goods, fuel, food and important livestock stuff that we need for the humanitarian community. There is an additional theme to say that the combined effect of all this makes it much harder to be a poor country or a developing country, and that will restrain development and increase humanitarian crisis. And add to that, you know, biodiversity loss and climate crisis, that we're really in for a perfect storm. So let's work together to combine all this in a call for saying there has to be something that is taken out of war. Even if war goes on, certain things cannot happen. And that's a collective responsibility. It cannot be only up to Ukraine or the warring parties. It's a global problem if we continue down this very dangerous lane.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Margus Sakkna.

I will be very short, not repeating everything what we have been saying here already, because we are so like-minded country. Just enlightening a couple of things not said yet. During only three months this summer, from June to August, there were more than 80 attacks on civilian vessels. Just five days ago, Russian drone killed the captain of Tanzanian-flagged vessel. In July, Russian drones killed 10 sailors of a Turkish owned crane carrier. Among these victims were Syrian and Indian crew members. So just explain me of that point of view that please all of us, let's reach out now as well to other countries, the global south and whatever to explain actually not only the food problems, but actually what Russia is doing at the Black Sea. So and I don't know, I have a minister, Indian minister meeting as well tomorrow and so on. So let's use this now to explain what really Russia is doing, not only, you know, convincing kids out of here, which is very important. So as soon as a small country, we reach out as much as we can, but we have big countries here who are directly targeted and you can do more. Let's use this angle. And the second thing is as well, together with Latvia and Lithuania, we are focusing as well how can we check more precisely the grain that Russia is trying to export about, you know, occupied territories in Ukraine, grain, which is actually a criminal act. So thank you very much for that.

Thank you. Now I give the floor to Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Tone Geiser.

Thank you very much, Kaja, and thank you very much, colleagues, France, Romania and others who called for this initiative. I won't repeat what was said because as Margot said, we are like-minded here. We just need to agree on action. And I think what was said before by Ed and others, we have to work on the strategic level. I think we have to increase this communication reach to the countries of the global south, the countries which are basically the most affected. So I think we can then exert the pressure on Russia. I was in Ukraine a week ago. I spoke with Andriy also regarding this, like 11 million tons is basically in danger. And I think what we can also do on the operational level, I think Tom was saying before, to help them with this temporary storage, grain sleeves and other ways to store the grain so that it won't go for a waste in the time. when we are working on this to open the roads. And of course, Slovenia is supporting the call for a moratorium on attacks. So we agree on that. Thank you, Kay.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, Juraj Hefler.

Thank you, Kay. Thank you, colleagues. Slovakia remains deeply concerned by the ongoing disruption in the Black Sea region because caused by the continued attacks against Ukraine ports, civilian vessels, transport and logistic infrastructure. Their consequences go far beyond Ukraine. Food must never be used as a geopolitical weapon. In this junction, we fully subscribe to the UN Security Council Resolution 2417 Slovakia strongly condemn all attacks on civilian maritime infrastructure and commercial vessels. And also Slovakia is ready to support an international initiative leading to a creation of humanitarian maritime corridors, similar as it was temporarily functioning in 2022 and 2023. Recent development demonstrates the strategic importance of the reliable and resilient alternative transport corridors between Ukraine and the European Union. The EU-Ukraine solidarity lanes have proved their value since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Our objectives should not be to replace Ukraine's black support. Instead, we should develop a network of mutually reinforcing transport corridors capable for maintaining essential trade flow whenever individual routes are disrupted. Current development underlined the need for continued European investment in the cross-border infrastructure connectivity. Ukraine with the neighboring EU member states. Such investment strengthen Ukraine's economic resilience, European connectivity, and our common security. Slovakia stands ready to continue work with the Ukraine and European Union and regional partner to strengthen cross-border connectivity and keep Ukraine export connected to global market. To conclude, Slovakia express its support to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and its activity related to the food security, including ensuring farmers access to the seed, the fertilizer, strengthening markets, transparency, and supporting the restoration of agriculture products and maritime routes. Thank you for attention.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland, Ville Tavio.

Thank you, Chair, dear colleagues. The Ukraine's global role as a food producer is obviously huge. Just to look at the numbers quickly, before Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine provided 15% of the world's corn exports, 10% of wheat, more than 15% of barley, and over 50% of sunflower oil. Ukraine has traditionally been a keen exporter of agricultural goods to countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. High food costs are contributing to global food insecurity, with developing countries bearing the heaviest burden. Globally, 645 million people are suffering from hunger. Initiatives such as Black Sea Grain Corridor continue to be needed, and we welcome the diplomatic efforts by Turkey on the Black Sea Grain Plan. Russia is weaponizing food, which is inhumane and unacceptable. We must restore this vital global trade route. Ukraine has been clear about wanting peace and being ready for a ceasefire, while Russia has not shown genuine willingness to negotiate in good faith. Instead, it persists in its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. I call on all nations to unite in working towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Poland, Robert Kubicki.

Madam Chair, we all agree that global food security is largely dependent on safety of Black Sea transportation routes. And we equally agree that the reason for insecurity of those transportation corridors is Russian aggression against Ukraine and its weaponization of everything tactic, including weaponization of what should have never been weaponized, namely food. Disruptions in the safe passage of vessels, of Ukrainian vessels carrying grain through the Black Sea affect global food prices, increase shipping costs, and reduce the availability of essential commodities in vulnerable regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Before its expiration in July 2023, the Black Sea Grain Initiative contributed to stabilizing international food markets. It was not perfect, as remarked by the Austrian colleague, but it demonstrated that even during the armed conflict, practical arrangements can protect commercial shipping and ensure the uninterrupted flow of food supplies. The United Nations and its specialized agencies have a crucial role to play in facilitating solutions, supporting uninterrupted transport of food through the Black Sea. They should also further promote diplomatic solutions to prevent weaponization of food in general and specifically in situations of armed conflict. Poland considers UN's key role in developing, supporting, and upholding arrangements designed to protect ports, shipping lines, grain corridors, agricultural infrastructure, and cross-border humanitarian supply chains. In our view, Any solution in that regard, including the memorandum mentioned by so many colleagues, should be practical, clearly defined, and subject to effective verification mechanisms. The experience of the Joint Coordination Center established under the Black Sea Grain Initiative offers valuable lessons learned in that regard. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you. And now I'll give the floor to Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Maria Tripodi, please.

Thank you, Kaja. Dear colleagues, the situation in the Black Sea is a matter of serious concern. Attacks on ports, agricultural facilities, and civilian ships are disrupting Ukrainian exports, putting crews at risk, and creating further uncertainty in global food markets. The impact is felt far beyond Ukraine. in Africa, the Middle East and Asia are particularly dependent on food imports. Many are already facing conflict, climate change and rising prices. Further disruption could increase instability and migration pressure. Italy will continue to work with Ukraine, the United Nations and all international partners to keep food supply is moving and identify practical solution. We will also continue to support Ukraine's agricultural sector. Italy allocated 5 million euros to grain from Ukraine. now food from Ukraine and allocated 16 million euros to agricultural projects in the Odessa region. Italy is also contributing to FAO's emergency programs to address the impact of disruption to Ukrainian grain and oilseed exports. These include support for temporary storage for the 2026 harvest and for small-scale farmers to access seed and other agriculture inputs. More broadly, Italy is working to address food insecurity also in other crisis areas. We have supported food assistance in Sudan, in Gaza, and in Lebanon. We have launched a food security project with the FAO. We must respond to immediate needs will protecting Ukraine's ability to produce and export food in the future. This means supporting farmer, storage facility, transport routes, and agricultural infrastructure. Today's meeting is an important opportunity to turn our common commitment into concrete action. Italy is ready to its part. Thank you for attention.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to State Secretary for Development Policy of Denmark, Gelsberg Sondergaard Kroner.

Thank you so much. I will be brief.

I'll try and skip every second paragraph and hope it will still make sense.

The Black Sea constitutes a critical channel for global food supplies. Disruption does not only affect Ukraine directly, but it has a severe impact far beyond, particularly for the most vulnerable in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. By blocking Ukraine's trade routes, Russia drives up prices and insurance costs, hitting hardest the import-dependent countries and the humanitarian agencies least able to absorb them. Russia's attacks have very direct global humanitarian consequences. Since 2022, the EU's solidarity lanes have provided critical alternative routes, but without safe access to Odessa and the Danube ports, global food security remains at risk. Protection of Ukrainian ports and maritime export corridors is essential. Denmark has made military donations to support Ukrainian coastal defence. Denmark strongly supports the call for an immediate moratorium on strikes against grain infrastructure, ports, and shipping, as well as safe passage for commercial vessels and their seafarers to restore Black Sea trade.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Unfortunately, Foreign Minister Zibija did not make it, but we have Deputy Foreign Minister Marina Beca here who will deliver a speech.

Thank you, dear Kaja, distinguished colleagues. Deep apologies from my Minister. He very much wanted to be here. It's a very great importance for us, the food security issues. But the meeting with President Trump still takes place.

I hope it's a good sign.

So, yes, our President is meeting with President Trump. And let me just deliver a few remarks on behalf of my Minister. First of all, huge thanks to Kaja Kallas and to our Ministers of France and Romania for organizing this event. Indeed, many spoke about the issue that this is not only about Ukraine security, this is about not only about Europe security, but this is about global food security. And Russia indeed attacks the entire food chain where crops are grown, stored and shipped. It attacks civilian vessels, and many of you spoke about it. It's everyday attacks in Ukraine. There are three points that Ukraine would like to make emphasis. First, about global food security in general. Some figures, and you can see some slides with the PowerPoint presentation about the attacked vessels and port infrastructure. Before July, our Black Sea ports could move around 200,000 tonnes of cargo every day. Today, they can move only 14,000. So they basically lost 93% of capacities. Think of this, 93 out of every 100 tonnes of daily capacities have been lost. A cargo that once moved in one day now takes more than two weeks. This season, Ukraine needs to export around 64 million tons of grain and oilseeds. This is, imagine, a one-kilogram bag of grain at a supermarket shelf. We are talking about 64 billion bags, almost eight for every person on Earth. This is the devastating consequences of Russia's attacks. Alternative routes can cover only around half of this need. The sea cannot be fully replaced by roads or by railways. And the consequences go far beyond Ukraine. If the Black Sea corridor remains blocked, up to 11 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain and up to 24 million tonnes globally may fail to reach markets. And these are huge figures. This is not just Ukrainian grain at risk. The wider disruption could affect more than twice as much grain globally. This is a Ukraine, the EU Hormus crisis, but instead of energy, it is about global food security. And this situation, of course, will hit the most vulnerable families outside Europe, in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, and I agree with those ministers distinguished who spoke about the necessity to have outreach to global South countries. We urge strong countries in these regions to advance diplomatic efforts to restore freedom of navigation, and we are grateful already to those who are helping us. There are a number of countries who proposed already food security ceasefire, and we welcome diplomatic initiatives aimed at finding a solution. Second, global action is needed to uphold food solidarity. Ukraine knows from its history what it means when Russia and previously Soviet Union turned hunger into weapon. We already 90 years ago experienced the Holodomor genocide by the Soviet regime, which took millions of Ukrainian lives. And this is why this food exports are more than trade for us. This is also about solidarity and moral and legal imperative and obligation. Through Food from Ukraine, we have delivered more than 336,000 tonnes of food to vulnerable people in 20 countries, including Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Kenya and Bolivia. And of course, we want to continue. But we cannot do so if civilian ships are attacked and sea routes are unsafe. Third, safe sea routes are essential for Ukraine's own economy and resilience. Behind every tonne exported is a Ukrainian farmer, and of course, many distinguished ministers spoke about the farmers affected, a farmer who needs to sell this year's harvest to buy seed, fertiliser and fuel for the next year. When a ship cannot leave a Ukrainian port, the consequences reach, of course, the farm, and when farmers cannot sell their harvest, they have less capacity to produce the next one. And this is why the Black Sea is also an economic lifeline for Ukraine. The more we can export more we can finance ourselves and now we have huge budget deficits in general. Colleagues, Ukraine has already shown that safe maritime navigation is of course possible during the war and we build the maritime corridor. It's important now to to make it it work to protect it. The Black Sea must remain open for civilian shipping. The maritime corridor must continue to parade because of course securing the Black Sea means securing food supplies. It of course means protecting global markets. Uh Hungary of course may not must not not be used as a weapon. And we are grateful to all the countries who support Ukraine in this endeavor. And it's also our common responsibility to make sure that we restore freedom of navigation in line with international law. And I'm grateful to each country present here and also beyond this hall for outstanding support for Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Also, I mean, there's a saying that one picture speaks more than 1000 words, so I hope that actually you circulate those slides as well with the participant, because I think this is very illustrative. I thank all the participants. I also thank for the cooperation because we are ending exactly on time. So thank you, everybody, for this. Thank you.