Published on: 2026-04-22
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The United Nations is developing an emergency mechanism aimed at preventing a possible global food crisis against the backdrop of the blockade of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz – one of the key global transportation routes. This was stated by the Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, in an interview with Rim Abaz from the UN News Service.
According to him, the UN Secretary-General ordered the immediate establishment of an interagency working group following the escalation of the situation in the region. Representatives of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Chamber of Commerce were included in it. The main task is to ensure uninterrupted supplies of fertilizers and raw materials necessary for production.
Threat to global food systems
The Strait of Hormuz plays a critically important role in the global trade of fertilizers: about one third of all shipments pass through it. The blockade of shipping has already caused disruptions not only in the Persian Gulf region, but also in the global supply chain.
“The discussion is not only about the fertilizers themselves, but also about the raw materials – urea, ammonia, sulfur, as well as liquefied gas. All of this is interconnected,” noted Moreira da Silva.
Countries that are particularly vulnerable include those that already face economic and humanitarian difficulties. Among them are Sudan, Somalia, Mozambique, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. These states significantly depend on fertilizer imports from the region and are already encountering consequences from shortages.
According to estimates by the World Food Programme, the situation could further deteriorate, leading to another 45 million people on the brink of starvation.
Urgency is a key factor
The particular concern is the fact that the crisis coincided with the planting season. In some African countries, it already started and will end in May. If fertilizer supplies are not restored in the near future, this will directly affect the harvest and, consequently, food security.
“Diplomacy and agriculture live in different rhythms. We cannot wait until all political issues are resolved,” emphasized the head of YUNOPS.
According to him, in the event of reaching a political agreement, the mechanism could be deployed within just seven days.
How the mechanism will work
The proposed system is based on the principle of building trust and transparency. It includes cargo registration, route coordination, monitoring, verification, and reporting.
The UN already has experience with similar operations – in particular, within the framework of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the mechanism for cargo inspections for Yemen and humanitarian supplies to Gaza. The new mechanism will use a similar approach.
This is not about humanitarian aid, but about commercial supply. However, its uninterrupted flow has a direct humanitarian significance. “These are commercial ships, but the goal is to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe,” noted Moreira da Silva.
Political will is more important than resources
The key condition for launching the mechanism remains government agreement. According to the UN representative, it is specifically political will, not financial or technical resources, that is the main factor. “If a decision is made, resources will be found. There are already countries ready to support the initiative,” he said.
Meanwhile, the negotiations continue, and the final agreement has not yet been reached.
Role of the UN – neutrality and trust
The UN is considered the optimal operator of such a mechanism due to its neutrality and experience. The organization is able to ensure transparency of processes and trust between the parties to the conflict.
“The main result of such mediation is trust. And in conflict situations, this is the most valuable resource,” emphasized Moreira da Silva.
He specifically emphasized that the proposed mechanism in no way undermines or calls into question the freedom of navigation. According to him, freedom of navigation remains an indisputable principle, and the Secretary-General himself has repeatedly stressed the necessity of its full restoration.
The main result of such a mechanism is trust. And in conflict conditions, this is the most valuable resource.
At the same time, the interlocutor of the UN News Service noted that under the conditions of ongoing negotiations, when this freedom has not yet been fully ensured, the possibility of introducing a time-limited exclusive mechanism should be considered — exclusively for the export of fertilizers and raw materials related to them. This would allow making it in time for the sowing season and thus reduce risks to global food security.
He added that if the situation stabilizes and the freedom of navigation is fully restored, the necessity of a blockade will cease to exist. However, as long as risks remain, the UN is ready to act.
Otherwise, it is warned in the Organization that the world may face a new wave of food crisis, the consequences of which will be especially sharply felt by the most vulnerable countries.
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