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Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the Special Meeting of ECOSOC on Agrifood Systems Transformations for Leaving No One Behind

16 February 2026, New York

 

Mr. President,

Ukraine thanks the President of ECOSOC for convening this timely and important meeting.

The transformation of agrifood systems is a strategic imperative at the national, regional and global levels. They are indispensable for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly SDGs 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action), among others.

Yet we meet at a time when hunger remains unacceptably high and acute food insecurity is worsening. Armed conflicts, climate shocks and economic volatility continue to disrupt supply chains. For Ukraine, these challenges are a daily reality. For four years now, Russia’s full-scale war of aggression has deliberately targeted our agricultural infrastructure, mined our fields and attacked energy facilities – weaponizing food and threatening global food security.

The losses to Ukraine’s agricultural sector have already reached tens of billions of dollars. Thousands of hectares of farmland remain contaminated by landmines. And yet, Ukraine continues to act as a responsible and reliable food supplier, exporting a significant portion of its harvest to support countries facing food insecurity.

Through the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative — now expanded into “Food from Ukraine” — we have delivered more than 320,000 of tons of food to 18 vulnerable countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with an ongoing delivery to a country in Latin America. This initiative demonstrates that even amid war, solidarity and partnership can prevail.

Transforming agrifood systems is essential to make them more resilient and better able to withstand today’s challenges. Innovation and digitalization must be at the heart of this process. Ukraine’s experience demonstrates that even during war, digital tools — from land registries to logistics platforms — can significantly enhance transparency, efficiency and resilience.

The UN system has a central role in this effort. FAO, WFP, IFAD and UNDP, together with the wider UN development system, can help mobilize finance, provide technical expertise and strengthen national capacities. Coordination across agencies is essential to deliver integrated solutions.

For Ukraine, food is a matter of human dignity and security. Access to sufficient and nutritious food is a fundamental human right. It must never be used as a weapon.

We stand ready to work with all partners to build agrifood systems that are resilient, inclusive and sustainable.

Thank you.