Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 27, 2026 Humanitarian aid
Amid the escalation in the Middle East, UN Secretary-General António Guterres initiated the creation of a special mechanism to prevent a global food crisis and facilitate maritime trade in fertilizers. This was reported today by the UN press service.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the threat of its expansion disrupt global logisticsDisruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz risk triggering a "domino effect" that will directly impact the humanitarian situation and global agricultural production in the coming months, the UN statement noted.
Target group: composition and objectives
To promptly respond to these challenges, Guterres established a specialized Task Force. Its leadership has been entrusted to Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva.
The group also included key international institutions: the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Read also:
Disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz increases risks for global energy and vulnerable economies
The structure's priority will be the development of technical mechanisms aimed at addressing humanitarian issues in the Strait of Hormuz. Additional expert institutions will be involved if necessary.
The UN emphasizes that the new initiative is based on the Organization's experience, in particular the implementation of the UN Verification and Monitoring Mechanism for Yemen, the Black Sea Grain Initiative and Mechanism 2720 on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Diplomatic efforts
The group's primary goal will be to facilitate uninterrupted trade in fertilizers and raw materials for their production. The UN noted that the mechanism's launch will take place in close cooperation with member states, with full respect for their national sovereignty and within the framework of international law.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed his commitment to finding a comprehensive and long-term solution to the problem, but stressed that action is needed immediately to mitigate the economic and humanitarian consequences of instability in the region.
"If this initiative is successful, it will strengthen trust between the countries in the diplomatic process to resolve the conflict, becoming an important step towards a broader political settlement," the statement said.
In parallel to the Task Force's technical work, political engagement with Member States will be led by the Secretary-General's newly appointed Personal Envoy for the Middle East Conflict, Jean Arnault.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.