UK to host food security summit, address Putin's impact on global grain supply

wheat grain tractor
(File photo: Jordan News)
AMMAN — UK will host international food security summit later this year and increase support for vulnerable people worst hit by rising food prices. The UK is spearheading efforts to help vulnerable people and economies deal with the impact of Putin’s actions. The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will announce today that the UK will convene an international food security summit in November.اضافة اعلان

Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, the event will bring together government representatives from across the world, including vulnerable countries, with international organizations, NGOs, researchers and private sector companies, to tackle the causes of food insecurity and malnutrition.

This came in response as the world leaders at the G20 Summit are grappling with the consequences of Russia's abrupt withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This move in July has triggered international unease, prompting calls for a unified response to address the far-reaching impact. According to a press release by the UK Government, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, initiated in July 2022, had allowed ships carrying Ukrainian grain safe passage through Black Sea ports, ensuring the global distribution of Ukrainian grain exports. This initiative played a pivotal role in supporting millions worldwide who depend on Ukrainian grain exports. In its inaugural year, the agreement facilitated the transport of 33 million tonnes of food to 45 countries, mitigating food security challenges in numerous regions.

However, Russia's unexpected withdrawal from the initiative has disrupted global grain supply chains, resulting in a significant surge in food prices and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This action has deepened Russia's global isolation and captured international attention.

Destroying at least 26 civilian port facilities
In addition to the withdrawal, Russia has been responsible for damaging or destroying at least 26 civilian port facilities, warehouses, silos, and grain elevators since July. These attacks have substantially hampered Ukraine's export capacity, reducing it by one third and causing the loss of enough grain to feed over a million people for a year.

During the G20 Summit, leaders are expected to address the consequences of Russia's actions, including the inflationary pressures resulting from disruptions in grain supply. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin's absence for the second consecutive year has raised questions about diplomatic engagement on the global stage.

Efforts to mitigate the repercussions of Russia's actions are underway, with the UK announcing its intention to host an international food security summit in November. The UK is pledging £3 million to the World Food Program to bolster the "Grain from Ukraine" initiative, which seeks to transport Ukrainian grain to countries affected by surging global prices of staple foods. Surveillance operations in the Black Sea will also be deployed to monitor Russian activity and deter potential attacks on civilian shipping or infrastructure, aiming to maintain stability in the region while addressing the global consequences of Russia's actions.


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