Published on: 2026-04-21
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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In connection with the virtual complete halt of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reminded of the dire situation faced by sailors trapped there. Speaking in Singapore, Arsenio Domingues emphasized that they are experiencing severe stress and extreme fatigue.
About 20 thousand sailors and approximately two thousand ships are still blocked in the strait, which is one of the most important maritime arteries in the world. Before the start of hostilities on February 28, about a quarter of the world’s maritime trade in oil, as well as significant volumes of natural gas and fertilizers, passed through the strait.
The head of the IMO called for providing sailors with free wireless Internet access so that they could maintain contact with their loved ones.
“Global energy shock”
The UN Secretary-General warned that the conflict in the Middle East has caused the most serious energy crisis in the world in recent decades.António GuterresI emphasize that dependence on fossil fuels subjects economies to the risk of instability and rising costs.
“All this clearly indicates that fossil fuel does not just destroy our planet – it holds the economy hostage,” the Secretary-General said in a video address to the participants of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue.
Guterres emphasized that clean energy opens a more reliable path to the future, and called for accelerating investments, strengthening infrastructure, and increasing funding to support the global transition.
Economic growth slowdown in the Asia-Pacific region
According to a new UN report, the economic prospects of the Asia-Pacific region are worsening, as rising global tensions lead to price increases and trade disruptions.
According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the economic growth of developing countries in the region is forecast to slow to 4.0 percent in 2026 compared to 4.6 percent earlier, while inflation is expected to rise from 3.5 to 4.6 percent.
The inflation rate leads to an increase in the cost of living, with families with low incomes suffering particularly, while a high government debt and potential interest rate hikes may limit the government’s ability to respond effectively to the situation.
Despite the slowdown in growth rates, the region is expected to remain the fastest-growing among developing economies in the world.
Death of a UN peacekeeper in Lebanon
Members of the Security Council strongly condemned the attack on UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, as a result of which a French peacekeeper was killed and three others were wounded.
Senior Sergeant Florian Montorio died on Saturday: the patrol, of which he was a member, came under fire from “non-state actors” during the road clearing operation.
In their press statement, members of the Security Council expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and solidarity with France, and also paid tribute to the selflessness of the peacekeepers. The document emphasizes that UN personnel must not become targets under any circumstances, and called on all parties to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of the peacekeepers.
The Security Council insists on a prompt investigation of this incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice. He confirmed his support for the peacekeeping contingent and called for full implementation of resolution 1701.
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