The summit, organized by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine with support from Italy's Ministry of Enterprises and Production, saw participation from representatives of over 25 countries and leading international organizations.
Significant Financial Support for "Grain from Ukraine"
Following intensive discussions, 242 participating countries announced a collective financial commitment of approximately $44 million to further support the "Grain from Ukraine" program. This funding is aimed at enhancing the program's capacity to deliver essential food aid to vulnerable populations globally.
Achievements and Impact of the Program
The "Grain from Ukraine" initiative has already made substantial strides, successfully delivering over 286,000 tons of food aid to vulnerable groups in Africa. These efforts are part of Ukraine's broader strategy to contribute to global food security amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Emphasis on Global Unity and Sustainable Food Systems
The summit underscored the critical need for global unity to combat hunger, establish sustainable food systems, and prevent the use of food as a weapon. Delegates emphasized that coordinated international efforts are essential to address food insecurity and build resilience against future crises.
Adoption of Joint Statement
At the conclusion of the summit, a Joint Statement was adopted, solidifying the collective commitments of participating nations. The statement outlined strategic actions for:
- Combating Hunger: Implementing measures to eliminate food scarcity in affected regions.
- Supporting Vulnerable Groups: Providing targeted assistance to populations most at risk.
- Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Development: Encouraging practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental stewardship.
- Investing in Future Generations' Health: Allocating resources towards initiatives that enhance the well-being of upcoming generations.
High-Level Participation and Speeches
The summit featured addresses from prominent leaders, including:
- Presidents of Ukraine, Switzerland, Estonia, Costa Rica, and Lithuania.
- Prime Ministers of Iceland, Cape Verde, Luxembourg, Portugal, Finland, Croatia, Sweden, and Japan.
- Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.
- First Lady of Belize.
- Government officials from over 25 countries.
- Representatives from leading international organizations, including the UN World Food Program, FAO, UNICEF, UNCTAD, and USAID.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions
The summit highlighted the importance of international collaboration in achieving food security goals. Participants discussed innovative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of food aid distribution, improve agricultural practices, and ensure the sustainability of food systems.
Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, emphasized the pivotal role of the "Grain from Ukraine" program in both national recovery and global food security:
"The adoption of the draft law on attracting investments in the fisheries sector will allow us to introduce mechanisms for equal access of entrepreneurs to resources, while simultaneously attracting additional funds to the market. These funds will be directed to the development of the fisheries sector in Ukraine, as well as other sectors of the economy."
Dmytro Nikolayenko, Commercial Director of Metinvest Group, also highlighted Ukraine's potential in sustainable resource management and its commitment to supporting European strategic autonomy through green metallurgy initiatives.
Moving Forward
The Third International Food Security Summit has laid a robust foundation for continued global efforts to ensure food security and sustainable development. With the newly allocated funds, the "Grain from Ukraine" program is poised to expand its reach and impact, delivering critical food aid to those in need and reinforcing Ukraine's role as a key player in global humanitarian efforts.
As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction, such international collaborations are essential in fostering economic resilience, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations worldwide.
