Ukraine war: Middle East food prices soaring, as donor fatigue kicks in, Security Council hears |

António Guterres issued the warning during a meeting about expanded cooperation between the United Nations and the 22-member League of Arab States, with ambassadors adopting a presidential statement praising the partnership. increasingly important.

‘Cascading challenge’

Referring to various conflicts and humanitarian hotspots in the region, Mr. Guterres described the work of the United Nations – in partnership with the League – in countries from Lebanon to Syria, to Somalia.

“We remain united in our pursuit of multilateral answers to the stratification challenges facing the Arab world and beyond,” he said, highlighting political uncertainties. new in Libyastalled Peace process between Israel and Palestine and the serious humanitarian crisis still facing tens of millions of people in Yemen.

In addition, the consequences of Russia’s invasion of its neighbor are already felt, as many countries in the region import at least half of their wheat from the Russian Federation or Ukraine.

Supply chains have been severely disrupted, with prices for food, fuel and fertilizers skyrocketing.

“In addition, we are seeing clear evidence that this war is draining resources and attention from other trouble spots that are desperately needed,” he said.

Suffering in Yemen, risk in Libya

Warning that worsening conditions are hitting the poorest people hardest, Mr Guterres also stressed that despair and neglect can “sow the seeds of political instability and instability around the globe”.

At a humanitarian sponsorship conference Last week, he was extremely disappointed that the UN call for help received less than a third of the pledged capital, so it was so much needed.

“I cannot overstate the severity of the sufferings of the Yemeni people,” he said, noting that 20 million people need humanitarian relief and protection, appealing for the generosity of members. of partner countries, especially countries in the region, which about.

Turning to the situation in Libya, he welcomed the League’s participation in helping to maintain unity and hard-won stability since the signing of a key ceasefire agreement in October 2020, co called on members to continue prioritizing agreement on a comprehensive political process towards a new peacetime constitution.

© UNHCR / Diego Ibarra Sánchez

After Hurricane Norma, severe winter weather affected Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Syrians ‘feel abandoned’

Across the region, additional situations on the UN agenda include economic challenges in Lebanon, to the ongoing political transition in Sudan, to the protracted conflict in Syria, marks the 11th anniversary of the establishment this month.

Mr Guterres told the Council that the United Nations and the League of Arab States unite in support of the Syrian people, “who feel abandoned by the world” as more than a decade of war has left the country in ruins. .

The only way to break that deadlock, he stressed, is through a credible political process that aims to create a lasting peace and allow the voices of all Syrians to be heard.

In addition, the head of the United Nations stressed the need to remain committed to finding a way for a thriving peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, and at the same time ending the longstanding Israeli occupation. .

Expand cooperation

Mr. Guterres, who was reported to the Council by the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit and the youth civil society representative, praised the expanding cooperation between the United Nations and the United Nations. to seek peaceful solutions to all crises in the region. .

In particular, he highlighted the regular meetings between Federation officials and UN special envoys, as well as the 2019 opening of a UN liaison office to the League of Arab States in Cairo, Egypt.

Along with that, cooperation focuses on the participation of women and youth, as well as conflict prevention and disarmament.

Current United Nations population estimates indicate that the majority of Arab world population54%, under 25 years old.