An estimated 1.6 billion people in 94 countries are facing at least one aspect of the crisis, with around 1.2 billion living in vulnerable “perfect storm” countries. serious by all three aspects, policy summary by the Global Crisis Response Team (GCRG) revealed.
The report calls for stabilizing record-high food and fuel prices, implementing social safety nets and increasing financial support for developing countries.
‘A new reality’
UN chief speak clear and consistent message: Countries must act now to save lives and livelihoods.
“Three months after Russia invaded Ukraine, we have to face a new reality,” he told reporters.
“For the people of the earth, every day brings new bloodshed and suffering. And for people around the world, war is threatening to trigger an unprecedented wave of hunger and economic and social chaos.”
Moreover, the crisis is intensifying the consequences of other challenges facing countries, such as the climate emergency, COVID-19 pandemic and inequalities in resources for post-pandemic recovery.
According to the report, the increase in hunger since the war started may be higher and more widespread.
The number of people with severe food insecurity has doubled from 135 million before the pandemic, to 276 million in just two years. The effects of war could push this number up to 323 million.
UNDP Ukraine / Oleksandr Simonenko
Drone footage shows the scale of destruction in Irpin in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine.
‘Run with time’
United Nations Trade Commissioner Rebeca Grynspan, co-leader GCRG financial line, presented the report. She said that the world is in “A race against time”and inaction will cost more than finding a solution.
The cost of living crisis could cause a “The cycle of social unrest leads to political instability”she warned.
About 60% of workers worldwide already have lower real incomes than they did before the pandemic, meaning families are forced to choose between skipping meals, keeping their children in school, or paying for their bills. medical prescription, for example.
“The current food crisis could quickly turn into global food disaster by 2023,” said Ms. Grynspan, head of the United Nations agency for trade and development. UNCTAD.
Higher energy costs and trade restrictions on fertilizer supplies from the Black Sea region have caused fertilizer prices to rise even faster than food prices.
If the war continues, and high grain and fertilizer prices carry over into the next crop, she said, there will be shortages of other basic foods like rice, affecting billions of people worldwide, she said.
© UNDP Nigeria
A farmer takes care of his crops in a field in Nigeria.
‘Package deal’ for exports
The report makes it clear that The impact of war on food, energy and financial security is systemic, severe, and accelerating.The Secretary-General of the United Nations said.
Although ending the deadly and devastating conflict is the only way to avert the “storm of rallying”, the UN chief called for immediate action on two fronts: stabilizing food markets and stabilizing food markets. global energy and support poorer countries during the crisis.
He said Ms Grynspan and UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths would coordinate the two task forces to find a “package agreement” that would allow Ukrainian-produced food to be exported through the Black Sea without Safe and secure way, while Russian food and fertilizer. will have unfettered access to global markets.
Top officials have begun working closely with parties in the two countries and in Turkey, the European Union and the United States, although the Secretary-General declined to comment further to avoid jeopardizing the agency. successful association.
“Ukrainian food production, Russian-made food and fertilizers must be brought back to world markets – despite the war,” he said.
Support vulnerable countries
Emphasize that there is no solution to the global crisis without deal with the economic crisis in developing countries, The head of the United Nations called for greater resources to help the world’s poorest countries and communities at this time.
“Governments must be able to borrow the money they need to keep their economies growing and their people thriving,” he said.
“The global financial system must rise above its shortcomings and use all the tools at its disposal, with flexibility and understanding, to provide assistance to vulnerable countries and populations. hurt.”
