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Statement by the delegation of Ukraine 

Second Committee of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly

Item 24: Agriculture development, food security and nutrition (17 October 2024)

Mr. Chairman,

Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, Ukraine has remained firmly committed to achieving SDG 2 – end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Food security remains a crucial factor in fostering international peace and security, as well as a driving force for advancing other SDGs. In recent years, Ukraine has played a significant role in bolstering global food security, providing vital agricultural exports to numerous countries.

Following Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2023, Ukraine, together with international partners, successfully established alternative temporary routes for civilian vessels to access Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

Since then, more than 2,577 vessels have transported 70 million tons of cargo via the Black Sea Humanitarian Corridor, established by the Ukrainian Naval Forces. Of this, 46 million tons were Ukrainian agricultural products for the global food markets in 46 countries. In recent months, 87% of Ukrainian agricultural exports have been shipped by sea, and we are continuously working to improve the capacity of these corridors.

Ukraine remains dedicated to supporting global food security through initiatives such as the humanitarian program "Grain from Ukraine," which directs a portion of Ukrainian food supplies to countries in urgent need. Since its launch in autumn 2022, over 228,960 tons of agricultural products have been sent to 10 countries across Africa and Asia, helping ensure food security for nearly 8 million people. With the support of our partners, Ukraine has delivered agricultural products to Sudan, Nigeria, Mauritania, Djibouti, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the first half of 2024, and we plan to expand the program to other regions.

However, Russia continues to escalate its attacks on the port infrastructure in southern Ukraine, aiming to undermine our export potential and provoke a food crisis in regions that rely on Ukrainian grain.

Russian forces have deliberately targeted ports, civilian vessels, and grain storage facilities. In just the past three months, nearly 60 such terrorist attacks have taken place, killing or injuring 79 civilians—including port workers and logistics staff—and damaging or destroying nearly 300 infrastructure facilities, 177 vehicles, and 22 civilian vessels.

The repercussions of these attacks are not limited to Ukraine. More than 40 countries, many of them in the Global South, are feeling the impact, as they depend on Ukrainian grain for their food supply.

Ending Russia’s occupation and halting missile attacks on our ports and infrastructure would significantly increase Ukraine’s ability to supply food to the global market, further strengthening global food security and contributing to international peace and stability.

Ukraine remains committed to being among the guarantors of global food security. We are deeply grateful to our partners and all those around the world who are doing their part to prevent food insecurity and hunger in different regions of the world.

Thank you.