FAO: "Rus-Ukr War Has Devastating Impact on Global Food Security"

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) expressed significant concern over the devastating impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on global food security. The FAO urged the continued implementation of the 'Black Sea Grain Initiative,' which ensures the safety of Ukrainian grain and fertilizer export vessels through the Black Sea, with Russia's agreement, until agricultural exports recover to pre-war levels.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 30th that it attended the 172nd FAO Council meeting held in Rome, Italy, from the 24th to the 28th.

This Council meeting was held to review key agendas such as the 2022-2025 Medium-Term Plan, the 2024-2025 budget proposal, and preparations for the 43rd FAO Conference (July 1-7, 2023).

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu stated in his opening remarks, "The FAO has been striving for four major improvements (better production, nutrition, environment, and life)." He added, "In 2023, we will continue efforts to transform the global agri-food system to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, and to address complex global issues such as the food security crisis."

During the meeting, member countries discussed challenges and causes of global food security, including recent wars and climate change, the impact of the Ukraine war on global food security, the 2022-2025 Medium-Term Plan, and the 2024-2025 budget proposal. They also received reports on activities of subsidiary committees.

The member countries highly appreciated that the 2022-2025 Medium-Term Plan was developed based on the 2022-2031 Strategic Framework, the Council, and informal meetings. Regarding the 2024-2025 budget, it was agreed to continue consultations until the 43rd Conference to ensure the FAO can perform its core activities as a specialized agency on food security.

Based on the 2022 Global Food Crisis Report and others, the FAO analyzed the causes of the global food crisis and malnutrition as conflicts, climate variability and extreme weather, resource accessibility constraints, economic downturns, and social and political instability. Member countries recognized these major causes of global food insecurity and expressed significant concern over the destructive impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on global food security, urging the continued implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative until agricultural exports recover to pre-war levels.

Kang Hyo-ju, Director of the Agricultural Trade Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, "We emphasized transparent and efficient execution of the FAO budget and will continue to actively respond to the global food security crisis as a member country, strengthening international solidarity by sharing Korea’s excellent agri-food policy cases through cooperation with international organizations and countries."

(Photo) [Image source=Yonhap News]

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