UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for wealthier countries to help developing nations purchase Ukrainian grain as supplies begin returning to global markets.
Guterres made appeal from the Black Sea port of Odesa on Friday as the global community marks the World Humanitarian Day.
Ships carrying grain have been leaving there under a recent UN-brokered agreement, and Guterres said Odesa was a symbol of what countries can achieve when they work together for the common good.
Speaking to journalists, the UN chief revealed that it was a moving experience to be at the port, where he witnessed wheat being loaded onto a ship.
“It’s obviously a reason for joy,” he said.
“But it is also emotional because of the sadness I feel looking into this wonderful harbour and looking into these terminals practically empty with the possibility that this harbour has to develop; that Ukraine and the whole region being cut off because of the war”.
The Odesa port had been paralyzed for months due to the war, which meant that “a critical transportation line from a global breadbasket was cut,” he said.
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Things are changing under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the deal to unblock grain and fertilizer exports, signed barely a month ago by Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye and the UN.
Since then, 25 ships have departed from Odesa and other Ukrainian ports, and more are on the way, Guterres said, speaking alongside Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov.
The ships have transported over 600,000 tonnes of grain and food products, namely wheat, corn, sunflower oil, and soybeans.
“But each ship is also a vessel of hope,” he said. “Hope for Ukrainian farmers finally rewarded for their harvest – with storage being freed up for more.
“Hope for seafarers and the larger shipping community, knowing that it is once again possible to sail through the Black Sea safely and efficiently. And, most of all, hope for the world’s most vulnerable people and countries.”
The UN chief issued a special call to rich nations on behalf of vulnerable people everywhere who are bearing the brunt of the global food crisis.
“As these ports open, I appeal for wealthier countries to also open their wallets and their hearts. After all, the movement of grains doesn’t mean much to countries that cannot afford it,” he said.
