U.N. Chief Urges Russia to Return to Grain Deal

U.N. chief Antonio Guterres called on Russia to return to the groundbreaking grain deal to prevent dire consequences for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Call Made at Rome Food Systems Summit

The U.N. chief made the call during a speech in Rome at the opening of a three-day food systems summit.

Negative Effects of Ukraine-Russia Grain Deal Collapse

With the recent collapse of the Ukraine-Russia grain deal, “the most vulnerable will pay the highest price,” Guterres said. He lamented that there are already negative effects on global wheat and corn prices, although he cited no figures.

Russia and Ukraine Essential to Global Food Security

Both Russia and Ukraine are “essential to global food security,” the U.N. leader said. He noted that they have historically accounted for 30% of global wheat and barley exports, a fifth of all maize and more than half of all sunflower oil.

Commitment to Facilitating Access to Global Markets

“For my part, I remain committed to facilitating unimpeded access to global markets for food products and fertilizer from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation and to deliver the food security every person deserves,” the U.N. leader said.

Call for Russia to Implement the Black Sea Initiative

“I call on the Russian Federation to return to implementing the Black Sea Initiative, in line with my latest proposal,” Guterres said, urging the international community to stand united to find solutions for the issue during the summit’s keynote speech.

Refusal to Renew Accord Triggers Deal Collapse

Russia’s refusal to renew the accord triggered the deal’s collapse earlier this month. It said the Black Sea Initiative would be suspended until demands to get Russian exports of food and fertilizer to the world are met.

Impact of Grain Deal on Humanitarian Aid

When the grain deal was struck, the U.N. World Food Program regained a top supplier, allowing 725,000 metric tons of humanitarian food aid to leave Ukraine and reach countries on the brink of famine, including Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Yemen.

Concerns of Russian Ally China and Developing Nations

The deal’s suspension as well as Russian attacks on the Black Sea ports of Ukraine have irked Russian ally China and as well as developing nations heavily dependent on the shipments to feed their people.

Climate Change’s Impact on Food Production

Besides the grain deal, the effects of climate change on food production will figure in discussions at the Rome summit.

Taking Stock at the Rome Summit

The gathering aims to take stock of progress and setbacks since the first food systems summit was held in 2021.

Global Participation in the Summit

According to FAO, the summit has drawn participants from 161 countries, including 22 heads of state or government, and 150 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).