An agreement between the u. N. , turkey, russia, and ukraine that allowed ukrainian grain and other products to be exported. This is about 3 1 2 hours. [chimes] the 9392nd meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The 9392nd meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is maintenance of International Peace and security, famine, and conflict induced global Food Insecurity. The agenda is adopted. First, i wish to warmly welcome the distinguished ministers and other highlevel representatives. Your presence here today underscores the importance of the subject matter that is under discussion. In accordance with rule 37 of the counsels provisional rules and procedure, i invite the representatives of algeria, argentina, armenia, australia, azerbaijan, bangladesh, belarus, the National State of bolivia, martina fassler, cambodia, to lay, cuba, denmark, egypt, estonia, ethiopia, georgia, germany, guatemala, guyana, haiti, india, indonesia, ireland, israel, latvia, lebanon, liberia, liechtenstein, the kingdom of the netherlands, nigeria, oman, pakistan, philippines, poland, portugal, the republic of korea, romania, saudi arabia, sierra leone, singapore, slovakia, slovenia, south africa, spain, thailand, tunisia, ukraine, the bavarian republic of venezuela,. , and yemen to participate in the meeting. It is so decided. In accordance with rule 39, the council provisional rules and procedure i invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting. Ms. Rena gilani the United Nations famine response coordinator. David milliken the president and chief executive officer of the International Rescue committee. The founder and chief executive officer. It is so decided. In accordance with rule 39, the councils provisional rules and procedure i also invite the following to participate in the meeting. His excellency the European Union delegation to the United Nations and his excellency, the permanent observer for the United Nations. It is so decided. I propose that the counsel invite the permanent observer of the observer state of the holy seed of the United Nations to participate in the meeting in accordance with the provisional rules and procedure on the previous practice in this regard. There being no objection it is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council Members to document s 2023560. A letter dated 26, july, 2023, from the permanent representative of the United States of america to the United Nations addressed to the president of the Security Council transmitting a concept paper under consideration. The council has before it the text of a statement by the president on behalf of the council on the subject of todays meeting. I think the Council Members for their valuable contributions. In accordance with the understanding region and members of the council i shall take it that members of the Security Council agreed to the statement which will be issued as a document by the Security Council under the symbol i now give the floor to renas gilani. Over to you. Thank you, mr. President. Thank you for the opportunity to take part in this briefing today. Mr. President , this counsel is more than aware of multiple challenges and threats the world is facing today, with the threat of famine people starting out slowly to death must be a redline. Yet the number of people suffering from acute Food Insecurity reached a quarter of 1 billion last year. This is the highest recorded in recent years. These people, some 376,000, or facing famine like conditions in seven countries. Another 35 Million People were on the edge. As in all crisis situations, women and children are the most impacted. This situation has not come as a surprise. Its a manmade crisis that has been swelling for years. We are now at the tipping point. Mr. President , hunger and conflict feed off each other. Conflict and insecurity remain key drivers of famine. Every one of the countries were affected by Armed Conflict or extreme levels of violence. Five of those seven countries afghanistan, haiti, somalia, sudan, and yemen are regularly on the council agenda. This leaves many extremely vulnerable and hungry. Sometimes these impacts are byproducts of war. All too often they are to flip did inflicted deliberately and unlawfully with hunger utilized as a tactic of war. Conflict does not spare those providing assistance to stave off famine. Dozens of humanitarian workers were killed and many more were kidnapped or injured in situations of conflict. Facilities and supplies also often come under attack or used for military purposes. The difficulties the United Nations and their partners are facing in sudan is a stark reminder. Our deepest condolences to the families of the 11 humanitarian workers killed in sudan in recent weeks. Food insecurity also fuels instability. For example, recent research highlighted by the World Health Program has shown how Food Insecurity coupled with desperation often fueled by poverty and inequality and governance issues cause people to choose violence over peace. It is the straw that breaks the camels back often resulting in conflict. Mr. President , excellencies, conflict induced hunger is compounded by a toxic mix of Climate Change and economic shocks. Change is increasingly becoming a threat multiplier. As the stress on water and other Natural Resources leads to increased competition and displacement, conflict and hunger spread. Of the 10 countries most vulnerable, seven are affected by conflict. Six are on a peacekeeping mission and four have more than 1 Million People one step away from famine at the same time, it hinders Climate Adaptation efforts leaving already vulnerable communities even poorer, hungrier, and less resilient. Mr. President and excellencies, the challenge may appear overwhelming, but progress has been and is again possible. So what can we do . First and foremost we must redouble efforts to prevent, reduce, and end conflict in all its forms. There needs to be a renewed commitment to peace through a reinvigorated system where we work handinhand. With peace it may still take time. Five things are critical. One, ensuring parties respect the humanitarian law including protecting objects necessary for survival such as food stocks, Water Systems and other objects necessary for food distribution. It also includes facilitating unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians and protecting staff. States must spare no effort in exerting their influence to ensure parties respect the rules of war. Two, making better use of existing Early Warning mechanisms such as the resolution in a focused and effective manner. Too often we have sounded the warning alarm without effective followup and concentrated action. Three, being bold and creative in finding ways to mitigate the impact of war on the most vulnerable. Such solutions are possible. We have seen agreements between parties to conflicts and resolutions in this counsel agreed to for the send. They require political courage and compromise. Four, women and girls must be at the center of our efforts. Crisis and hunger affect them disproportionately and they also hold the key to lasting solutions. Research has shown that involving local women increases the probability that violence will end by 24 . Five, we also need to acknowledge that a pathway, fragmented response to interconnected risks will not cut it. We need Adequate Funding on which the lives of millions depend. For lasting peace we must address the climate and economic crisis. The secretarygeneral has prioritized the threat of famine and hunger among other initiatives in 2021. He created a Highlevel Task force on famine prevention to lead and organize a cohesive systemwide response. Together we are in the process of reorienting to provide dedicated support to countries. We really need your support and we count on it to make this an effective form. Mr. President , in this role i visited communities teetering on the brink of famine. I have sat with mothers and too many nutrition warts. As these children fought for their lives they were too weak to cry or even make a sound. That eerie silence is deafening. It never leaves you. That silence is also a call for action. As Martin Luther king said in his Nobel Peace Prize lecture, famine is wholly unnecessary in the modern world. There is no deficit in human resources. The deficit is human will. I think you for the briefing. I give the floor now to mr. David millman. Thank you, mr. President and they give to the team for your leadership on this issue. It is a true honor to speak today on behalf of the 40,000 International Rescue community employees and volunteers working in 40 countries around the world. Our mission is to find by conflict and its consequences. This debate means a lot to us. Every day our staff live about a simple mantra focus on solutions, not suffering. My briefing today takes the form of a plea to the council to focus on the solutions and not the suffering. Five years ago the council recognized the need to break the link of Armed Conflict and Food Insecurity. Five years later, however, there is more Armed Conflict. More famine, more malnutrition and more Food Insecurity. Food insecurity the euphemism that is used for hunger and starvation. Today the call is for action to help the people facing famine like conditions at the end of last year. The 35 million on the brink. We have more than enough analysis. There is consensus that conflict is the primary driver of Food Insecurity today exacerbated by the climate crisis. There is consensus also on the line of causation. Planting is disrupted, prices are driven up. Food storage is targeted. We also know the countries. Every single assessment has the same list. Somalia, afghanistan, yemen, nigeria, south sudan, sudan, mali and haiti. It is not in dispute. Analysis is too often followed by paralysis. We need new muscle in the international system, not the muscle of debating strategies and plans, but the muscle of taking action. Today at present to the council five current problems matched by five immediate solutions. Problem one, my colleagues on the panel will rightly draw attention to the impact of last years funding increases on raising the number of children with acute malnutrition being treated. The year on year statistics show that 80 of the worlds acute hunger children are not getting any treatment at all. I repeat. 80 of acutely malnourished children have been getting no help. The reason is the divided approaches between moderate and severe malnutrition. Different treatments, different agencies, different products, complicated measuring systems illsuited to conditions of conflict. The solution, however is staring us in the face. A simplified system in the hands of parents and Community Health workers who use a simple upper arm circumference to diagnose acute malnutrition and administer one or two doses of ready to use therapeutic food per day depending on whether the case is severe or not. Our own impacted evaluation shows that this approach is not appropriate. We tested it on 27,000 children and showed a 92 success rate of the treatment with the cost saving of 30 . So more children can be reached for the same amount of money. This approach should be made the default form of provision and humanitarian settings with delivery and funding to match what can be done now. Problem two, there is proliferation of different mobile initiatives on famine and Food Insecurity. The solution is an empowered body to galvanize collective action and drive change. Fortunately we do now have the Highlevel Task force for preventing famine, chaired by ms. Ghelani, given new focus and a new mandate. Frankly she needs support. Support from National Action plans and the countries most at risk. Support from authorities in developing those. Support for engagement of regional and Global Financial institutions and funding and financing the plants. Support and diplomacy to unlock barriers on the ground and scale up her response and support returning delivery plans into action, starting at the september meetings in the city. Problem three, the United NationsDevelopment Program reports that the more fragile the context, in other words the more amount of conflict, the less money is spent on Climate Adaptation. Our clients represent a disproportionate amount of risk. They are highly vulnerable and lack resilience. The solution is a humanitarian face, addressing the finance gap and the delivery gap. The finance gap arises because adaptation is underfunded. It is only 8 of all climate finance. Adaptation is geared toward richard countries. Richer countries. We argue that donors need to increase the ratio of grants to concessional funding for these fragile states. For example, the World Bank InternationalDevelopment Assistance funds as was recommended just two weeks ago. However, there is a delivery gap. The money will not be spent in these states unless the delivery gap is addressed. That means making it the norm, not the exception for funding to be directed through society and not just three governments. This will be real localization. Problem for the rise of impunity and conflict. This is all illegal as well as immoral. The solution is that perpetrators need to be held to account. We do not need new resolutions, but we need a resolution to uphold the existing ones. The next time the council is presented evidence of hunger used as a weapon of war it must trigger action. Also, all Nine Countries at risk of famine ranked to their high, very high, or extreme in levels of humanitarian access constraints. That is another euphemism for stopping humanitarian aid workers reaching people in need. We propose an independent office for the protection of humanitarian access which would ensure that when aid is denied the information is reported without fear or favor to the council, supporting efforts to drive accountability and diplomacy. I know that an ngo usually starts for asking with more money. I will and with that instead of starting. The World Food Program is cutting its lifesaving Food Assistance programs today, sometimes by as much as half because it does not have enough money to do its job. The solution to this is not complicated. Humanitarian response plans and the Nine Countries were on average only 58 funded in 2022. Of these countries had response plans funded to the same proportion as ukraines last year, there would be another 5 billion in the system to address the most acute needs just of those Nine Countries. We need to address the threat of famine by looking through the windshield, not through the rearview mirror. Once a famine is declared it is too late for too many. We know from the 2011 famine in somalia that half the people that died, died before the famine declaration was made. It is too late to wait for a famine declaration. The crisis phase is triggered when one in five families are so desperate to find the next meal that they are considering marrying up their children or sending them out to work. This reaction depends on cash being available. Today it is not. I want to end, mr. President , by quoting a Nobel Laureate whose landmark work on famine 50 years ago starts with these words. Starvation is the characteristic of not having enough food to eat. Its not the characteristic of their be not being enough food to eat. In other words it is a political problem. 50 years later, however, the world is four times richer but there is more famine, not less. That is not fate. It is choice. Its a choice that will only be changed by action. We and Civil Societies need the will to enable action to happen. Thank you very much. Thank you for the briefing. Give the floor. Thank you, mr. President. And to your excellencies. The day that i first met a two yearold as my newborn daughter, it changed me forever. I have been facetoface with a mother and a starting starving child and i know we dont have time to spare. I feel the urgency and see the fear in her eyes. I have seen children take their last breaths. I have watched their hearts stop beating. When i enter a malnutrition clinic, the first thing i hear is the deafening silence. The children do not have the strength to sit up or cry. All their energy is conserved to keep their organs from shutting down. Their mothers sit anxiously by wishing for a miracle. We have that miracle. Today i represent the private sector as a founder and ceo. We make the food that saves lives. This is a ready to use therapeutic food. It is used in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition. It is used by unicef, the World Food Program and usaid. Its a highly fortified Peanut Butter which is revolutionary in humanitarian settings because it delivers lifesaving nutrition, is easy to distribute , allows mothers to treat their children at home and has the power to rehabilitate 92 of children in just two months. It is part of a community of factories around the world. We work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to produce enough of these miracle foods. Every day the needs grow. All of us have been adding shifts, adding equipment. Yet more is needed. We manufacture here in the United States and have a partner in france, but the other eight partners are in areas where conflicts threaten to close the doors of these incredibly important businesses that are set up to deliver lifesaving foods using locally grown raw material. Just a few months ago when the conflict in sudan began, i was deeply saddened to see that our partner factory was bombed. Everything was destroyed including thousands of boxes of food waiting to be deployed to the children of sudan. Now this past week, a coup threatens our partner factory. In haiti, violences persisting at everincreasing levels forcing them to construct new security walls. In ethiopia, nigeria, ripping a facile, instability and uncertainty are ever present. This ecosystem is a critical part of the supply chain that the u. N. Agencies depend on and children depend on. The biggest factors are Climate Change and conflict. It still will take decades. The good news is this is not true. We control the conflicts right here in this room. Just as we decide to wage war we can decide to end war. Right now we have two choices, 1. 7 million is needed to feed 17 million severely malnourished children. Until the end these conflicts, we have the responsibility to take action. Just 1. 7 billion to save the lives of 17 million children. A mere 100 per child covers the cost of a box of food, distribution, and access to Community Healthcare. With conflicts increasing, our partners have to make tough choices every day. They are struggling with critical funding shortfalls and are only able to reach 50 of the need. They are faced with the impossible decision of which half of the children can live and which half will be sentenced to death. Every day they must decide which countries will receive funding and which programs will be cut or halved. One year ago, the world took notice of increasing conflict induced Food Insecurity. The United States, canada, the united kingdom, and the kingdom of netherlands, ireland, and private philanthropies made a historic commitment of 500 million to combat malnutrition. The global momentum proved we could double the supply available in a matter of months. The number of childrens lives saved was doubled as well with 7. 3 million children treated in 2022. The incredible effort should be recognized and celebrated. Doctors described this intervention as nothing short of a miracle. I want to stop producing this miracle. I dont want to grow this business, add shifts, or build more warehouses. We should not be waiting until the child is days away from death to treat them with life saving food. Instead, the longterm goal needs to be a shift towards prevention. Early Childhood Development depends on healthy food systems, diverse diets, and essential macro and micro nutrients required for the body and brain. Early interventions ensure that children will not only survive but thrive and reach their full potential. I sit here today representing thousands of communitybased healthcare workers and millions of malnourished children who are desperately asking for our help and our partnership. After all, we are responsible for their circumstances. May history look at us sitting here today around this table as those who stood up for humanity , understood the power of our collective leadership here in this room and said stop. Just stopped these conflicts for the sake of our children. There are not many problems in the world we cannot solve. Malnutrition is not one of them. I thank you for your briefing. I think all three of our briefers for their compelling and important contributions. I would like to draw the attention of speakers to paragraph 22 of note 507 which encourages all participants and Council Meetings to deliver statements in five minutes or less in line with the Security Council commitment to making more effective use of meetings. I shall now make statement in my capacity as the secretary of state of the United States of america. Again, to our briefers, thank you. Thank you for keeping our focus on what is really at stake here. That is the Human Element of our discussions. It is easy to get caught up in numbers and statistics and concepts that ultimately it comes down to people. It comes down to children. I think you for that focus as well as on Practical Solutions to the problem before us. To all three of our briefers, you have powerfully illustrated the challenge before us, but even more importantly you have given us very good ideas for how to address the challenge. Last september, President Biden told the General Assembly and i quote, in every country in the world if parents cannot feed their children, nothing else matters. In some ways it is as simple and stark as that. Too many families are experiencing the overwhelming urgency, the consequence of an unprecedented global food crisis that as we have heard has been fueled by climate and covid as well and as we are discussing today by conflicts. Hunger and conflict are linked. Scarce resources and tensions between communities and nation. Indeed, conflict is the largest driver of Food Insecurity with violence and unrest pushing 117 Million People into extreme deprivation last year. In sudan, fighting has disrupted the summer planting season and driven up the cost of food. In me and my where one in five people, one in five people are severely malnourished. The military regime is making the problem worse to tighten its grip including blocking aid convoys. Deteriorating convince conditions prevent delivering food. Refugees have fled their homeland and now live in bangladesh. In yemen, some families have reported resorted to boiling leaves to stay alive. They call that famine food. Unless the world acts, south sudan, somalia, could all experience famine next year. Again, i ask each of us to pause for that for a moment. Think about what that actually means. Imagine just for a minute that this was your child, your son, your daughter. You heard the compelling description of what that actually is all about. I hope if nothing else having that image in our minds tying it to our own lives and experience would be some added motivation for us to act. Since 2021 the United States has provided more than 17. 5 billion for Food Insecurity. In 2021 and 2022 we convened this counsel to focus on the intersection between hunger. We chaired last years Food Insecurity ministerial where we joined with three Different Countries committing to get food to those who need it and to build greater resilience for the future. To date, more than 100 countries have signed the pledge and begun to take concrete steps to actually implement. As this crisis ramps up, so must the efforts. This counsel is charged with maintaining International Peace and security. We simply cannot preserve peace and security without strengthening Food Security. Each of us has a responsibility to act. This morning for the first time in three years this counsel has unanimously put conflict, hunger and famine, as well as Climate Change at the center of its agenda. This is a welcome step. Now lets harness that momentum to further combat Food Insecurity around the world, to turn what we are talking about into concrete actions. Five years ago, as you heard, the Council Adopted the resolution emphasizing that the intentional starvation of civilians may constitute a war crime. Today, we can build on these efforts. Nearly 90 countries, including the United States have already signed a new joint communiqui that will be drafted and circulated, committing to end the use of famine, starvation, and food as weapons of war. Hunger must not be weapon iced. I urge all Member States to join. We also must significantly increase aid to tackle extreme hunger and avert famine. Last year governments and private donors made record contributions, providing direct relief, equipping farmers with fertilizer. Using satellite imagery to maximize. Contributions to the World Food Program jumped 48 . The United States provided more than 7. 2 billion, roughly half of the World Food Program budget. These and other efforts help the world narrowly avoid famine last year. This year, as we have heard, the World Food Program estimates it has to spend 25 billion to deliver relief to 171 Million People. To date, countries have funded only 4. 5 billion. In other words, 18 of what is required. The cost of that shortfall will be measured in growth stunted and and lives lost. While we welcome smaller countries punching above their weight, the Worlds Largest economies should be the Worlds Largest donors. For Member States that consider themselves global leaders, this is your chance to prove it. All of us, all of us can dig deeper. Of course, we know that while it is necessary, it is not sufficient to meet immediate needs. We must also increase agricultural productivity. We have to invest in adaptation. We have to build greater resilience to future shocks. Especially in regions that are affected by conflict. Around the world, farmers combat soaring temperatures, eroding soil, disappearing groundwater. It reduces yields and makes crops less nutritious. By 2050, Climate Change could cut up by as much as 30 . Even as global food demand increases by over 50 . We have a planet in the coming decades with the population of as much as 10 billion people with demand going up in accordance and yet supply is actually declining and not increasing. As challenging as the situation is, we can also see what is coming if we do not take the necessary steps to address it. Mitigating Climate Impact is essential to the feed the future initiative. The Public Private partnership to strengthen food systems and safety nets and enhanced nutrition in 40 countries around the world. We devoted over 1 billion every year to the effort. Last year we expanded the program to eight more target countries. To build on this work, we have now launched what we call vision for adapted crops and soils in february alongside the African Union and the food agricultural organization. The shorthand, vacs, investing in reading the most climate resilient and most resilient varieties as well as improving the soil they will grow in. This focus on the quality of the seeds and the quality of the soil can have a powerful impact on Sustainable Agricultural productivity throughout africa. Today i am also announcing 362 million more to tackle the drivers of Food Insecurity and enhance resilience in haiti and 11 african countries like getting nutritious food to pregnant women and helping farmers grow hardier and more diverse crops. The United States will continue to do our part, but this is by definition a Global Challenge and demands global resources. We will be looking at governments and companies and philanthropies to help us continue to grow nutrition and invest in Sustainable Food systems. Finally, we must address russias war of aggression against ukraine and the resulting assault on the global food system. This past year, the black Sea Green Initiative negotiated by the United Nations, delivered over 32 million tons of ukrainian foodstuffs to the world. The exports were the equivalent of 18 billion loves of red. Loaves of bread. Keep in mind the initiative never should have been necessary in the first place. It was only necessary because of russias invasion of ukraine and its blockade of ukrainian ports. The initiative produced concrete , demonstrable, powerful results in making sure that these good products could continue to get to markets and to those who needed it. Lets be very clear about the benefit from the initiative. Over half the Food Products exported through this effort and two thirds of the wheat went to developing countries. These shipments help to lower global food prices for everyone by roughly a quarter since the fullscale invasion by russia. Since russia pulled out of the arrangement on july 17, ignoring the worlds appeals, grain prices have risen by more than 8 around the world. Kenyas Foreign Ministry called the move, and i quote, a stab in the back. The kremlin claims it tore up the deal because International Sanctions were to restricting global efforts. The sanctions explicitly exclude food and fertilizer. In fact, at the time it abandoned the Initiative Russia was exporting more green at higher prices than ever before. What has russias response been . To the world distress and outrage, bombing ukrainian granaries. Threatening to attack any vessel in the black sea no matter its flag, no matter its cargo. These actions are consistent with russias decision last month to block the reauthorization of critical crossborder assistance to syria, a country where after a devastating earthquake, 12 Million People do not have enough to eat. The United States is prepared to renew efforts to mandate this lifeline if the United Nations and syria can find a way forward. We also very much appreciate working to reinstate the grain deal. Every member of this counsel. Every member of the United Nations should tell moscow enough. Enough using the black sea as blackmail. Enough treating the worlds most Vulnerable People as leverage. Enough of this unjustified, unconscionable war. Strengthening Food Insecurity security is essential to realizing the vision of the United Nations charter to save countries for more and reaffirm the dignity and growth of every single human being. That hope is embodied in one of the statues outside this building of a figure fulfilling the biblical directive to beat swords into plowshares. These words of scripture are not yet in reach. We can at least commit not to use our swords to destroy others plows. We can deliver lifesaving aid to those in need. We can ensure that people around the are fed now and for years to come. If we do that, if we build a healthier, more stable and more Peaceful World for all, we will have at least begun to live up to the responsibility entrusted to us, entrusted to this counsel, entrusted to this institution. Thank you. I resume my function as president of the council and now give the floor to her excellency, the minister of state. Thank you, secretary, for this important meeting today and for our briefers for bringing their valuable perspectives to our discussion. We align ourselves with the statement made on behalf of the golf corporation. More than 700 Million People are going hungry while a third of the worlds population of almost 2. 5 billion people had restricted access to food last year. As we have heard from our briefers, there is no single reason for global Food Insecurity. The reasons for it are complex, the human cost is plain to see. 45 million children under the age of 5 suffer from acute malnutrition. Millions of people either to undertake dangerous irregular migration journeys. There is sexual and gender based violence. We know that could insecurity contributes to conflict and instability. The reverse is also true. As intricately linked as they are, the council and globally we cannot afford not to act. Today there are three points i wish to make to this effect. First, Food Insecurity is preventable. Preventing Food Insecurity and famine is a political choice. Bringing Food Insecurity to an end is a collective endeavor. Nobody should experience famine. Conflict, humanitarian though is clear. Authorities to Armed Conflict must take Constant Care to spare the objects necessary to produce food and Drinking Water and they must never target civilian objects. There is not only a moral and legal duty to uphold the storms. We call upon all parties to strictly adhere to these responsibilities. s also important that those in a position to support and facilitate lifesaving efforts to sell for to do so. For its part, the uae has contributedthan us 1. 4 billion in assistance and over the past five years to address food insecurities. Complex, such as those in ukraine contribute. Its of fact and World Markets mean that those living far beyond any battlefield often struggle to feed their families. Especially in the middle east and parts of africa. Most countries rely heavily on grain imports. In these instances we must support National Strategies and developed partnerships that meet the scale of a challenge. It requires all hands on deck. We must deepen International Partnerships and make the most of multilateral forums at both the international and regional levels. We saw the potential of multilateral efforts to reduce Food Insecurity through the establishment of black Sea Green Initiatives. Let me reiterate that the uae is deeply saddened by this development. A spirit of ambition and global collaboration is also needed a Food Insecurity and Climate Change. July was the hottest month on record. As such, we must see unity of purpose at the highest levels to reviews reverse this trend by taking measures to arise the rise of temperatures above 1. 5 degrees and ensuring Climate Adaptation are firmly in place and particularly in fragile areas. All hands on deck truly means all hands. And all voices. Those disproportionately affected by Food Insecurity and Climate Change, in particular, women and youth must be front and center when designing responses. Recognizing the disparity is not enough. We must encourage the full equal and meaningful participation. Third, finally, we need novel approaches to this challenge. We command the dedicated efforts of governments, international, regional organizations, private sectors, actors and humanitarian groups and their significant achievements in this field. Yet, Food Insecurity continues to rise. If we limit ourselves to the same approaches, we will not turn the tide. It is time to expand our approaches. Global private partnerships are vital to tackling this challenge. The uae is actively engaged in public and private partnerships such as global initiatives annual 1 billion meal campaign. In 2021 of the uae and the United States launched the Agriculture Innovation Mission for climate to smart agriculture. It now works with over 50 government partners. The private sector and Civil Society and has raised more than 13 billion to accelerate transformation of change. Mr. President , the world cannot maintain peace and security without one of the most basic needs for humanity. The trend we are witnessing is a testament to the needed to redevelop our efforts. It is my hope that we seize the opportunity of this meeting to take greater action globally to overcome this challenge. Thank you, mr. President. I thank your excellency, noura al kaabi, for your statement. I know give it to ken jim otte. First of all, japan welcomes over the rst and commence of the youth team. We have an air force constructed by each member state. It is crucial the culture speak in one voice to address the conflict induced through insecurity. Mr. President and colleagues, japan is seriously concerned that the huge number of people are facing famine and other food insecurities. Caused by conflict and Climate Change. It is a basic human need. It should not be weapon lysed at any time. Every day, we hear voices of food insecurities with conflict. Japan i deeply regret russias participation in black Sea Green Initiative which hello green imports from ukraine and contributed to global Food Security. Russia has wasted tremendous amounts of grain by attacking grain silos in odesa. We should not accept russias attempt to weapon nice food to destroy grains in ukraine while increasing its own exports. Japan strongly urges russia to return to International Framework association to resume grain exports from ukraine in order to relieve Food Insecurity in the world. Japan also continues to support eu led solidarity, which works to ensure ukraine can export grains. Mr. President and colleagues, the u. N. And this counsel should combat Food Security issues. Famine and conflict induced Food Insecurity requires not only efforts, such as emergency Food Assistance but also medium and longterm actions based on the concept of human security. Such as strengthening the resilience of the food systems. To prevent conflicts which are root cause of Food Insecurity. It is also important. In this context, japan believes it would be beneficial to reduce future humanitarian needs by addressing a comprehensive way for humanitarian development, peace approach. In conflict, it is crucial to perfect potable people, such as women and children. In order to realize the provision of the lifesaving assistance, parties to the conflict must comply with international . In humanitarian law. Assistance has been top priority for japan. We have a long history of providing International Cooperation including humanitarian aid necessary for those suffering from famine and conflict induced Food Insecurity. Japan has also spoken out about the necessity of humanitarian passage on the black sea to seek grains from ukraine just after russias aggression. Japan is proud to have issues that have issued a statement. Together with countries representing various regions around the world. It can be a comprehensive guide for responding to immediate Food Security crisis and for establishing resilient agriculture in the medium and long term. Please allow me to touch upon the issue of famine and Food Insecurity in east asia and beyond. It is reported that many people are suffering from severe hunger. On the other hand, it is spending vast resources on unlawful nuclear and Missile Development by diverting critical needed resources away from its people. Violating multiple Security Council resolutions. North korea has been repeatedly launching missiles mr. President and colleagues it is extremely regrettable that the Security Council has not been able to take tangible action. The council must overcome this and take meaningful steps with a united voice. We sincerely ask for your understanding and support. Thank you. I thanked mr. Yamada for his statement. I know give report to his excellent, deputy minister for europe and foreign affairs. Thank you, mr. President. Let me begin by thanking the United States presidency for convening this timely debate and welcome you secretary blinken we are grateful to the United States for its coherence and continued action in keeping the focus on this issue of paramount importance for all of us. Especially for those anywhere who continue to struggle to make ends meet. In this respect we welcome the p rst proposed by the u. S. And adopted this morning as a timely reminder of the collective duty to put everything in place to ensure proper responses to address conflict induced Food Insecurity , including mounting pollution and passion famine. I also think all for the presentations and presenting the most realistic needs required worldwide today. Food insecurity is a pressing Global Challenge and today, more than ever, a range of colliding factors such as conflicts, Climate Change, ever to vomit and Macro Economic shocks are threatening global Food Security worldwide. The number of people facing acute Food Insecurity has increased 193 million in 2021 to 258 million in 2022. More than a quarter of 1 billion people faced acute hunger in 58 countries and territories last year. In 19 countries and territories, roughly 170 Million People suffer from high levels acute Food Insecurity due to conflict and insecurity. This has put a heavy toll on humanitarian interventions and Food Assistance efforts to meet the growing needs. Further, acute hunger, one step away from famine is increasingly alarming and constitutes a threat not only to the communities and populations concerned but also to peace and security in many regions of the world. This is what is happening nowadays in afghanistan, haiti, south sudan, yemen, or populations based starvation in absence of urgent humanitarian intervention. This is what is happening in syria. The russian veto on the cross border authorization has endangered the lifesaving aid and Food Security for over 4 Million People in northwest syria. Leaving them to the mercy of a regime notoriously known for its brutality. The russian withdraw from the black Sea Green Initiative confirms the policy of weaponization of food and the use of famine as a bargaining tool to achieve political gains. Russia did not stop there. With its daily bombardment of seaports targeting grain exports facilities, a civilian infrastructure. Russia is committing crimes and playing with anxiety of millions. On sure to have food for the coming days and weeks. Moscows promises to african countries for modest amounts of free grain supplies, ridiculous compared to the actual needs are part of its efforts to capitalize on the collapse of the bsg i and gain support in the african continent. Beware, this kind of humanitarian surety will come at a better price tag. Without urgent action, more and more people in africa, the middle east and beyond will slip into hunger. Mr. President , the biggest challenge in every conflict is protecting civilians. It is at the same time a collective solid commitment. It represents a breakthrough moment. For the first time, the Security Council acknowledged the link between Armed Conflict and conflict induced Food Insecurity and the threat of famine. Using starvation as a weapon as a tactic of warfare is wrong and criminal. It is prohibited by International Humanitarian law and we must never tolerate any unlawful denial of humanitarian access in depriving civilians of what is indispensable to their survival. We must never tolerate impunity for violations of International Monetary law, targeting civilian infrastructure and food related services. Albania commands the efforts and actions of Member States, the u. N. , it is in limiting parties, Civil Society and the private sector in addressing immediate humanitarian needs, security and resilience for populations in need. The best and the most effective way of preventing famine is to prevent conflict to stop wars, to tackle the root causes of insecurity at early stages and invest in peace and development in order to secure sustainable resilient and inclusive systems in line with the objectives of the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable goals. Let me conclude by saying that the world has enough food and no one needs to go hungry. Yet, if we really want to in foods Food Security we should act to prevent and stop conflicts by choosing peace and development and engaging and including peace processes leading to sustainable Political Solutions by building resilience and working together in favor of life with the rights and dignity. This is done by saying, no, strongly and resolutely to wars and conflicts and their devastating consequences. This requires vision, leadership, political will. I thank you. I thank megi fino for her statement. I know give the floor to the representative switzerland. Mr. President and secretary of state i would like, first of all, congratulate the usa of the cancel in july. I wish you every success in this work. You can count on switzerlands supports. I would also like to thank you for organizing this timely debate and the speakers for their contributions. We also welcome the presence of highlevel representatives. War breeds hunger and hunger breeds for the global food crisis is without precedent. And is disabling countries and regions as was demonstrated by the debates on the protection under the swiss presidency, the phenomena continues to worsen in somalia, sudan especially in south sudan, afghanistan, syria and elsewhere in the world. We regret russias decision to cease the limitation of the backs the initiative and condemned the recent attacks on ukrainian ports, which risks further deteriorating the global situation. And adopting resolution 2417 the council recognized the need to put an end to the vicious circle of Armed Conflict and Food Insecurity. It pledged to pay full attention to this issue in order to better prevent famine. The councils role in crisis prevention is also at the heart of the new agenda for peace. Switzerland calls for the full implementation of the prevention mechanisms provided in resolution 2417 and welcomes the meeting on Food Security in the democratic republic of the congo and haiti. In order to better prevent food crises, including famine, my country calls for the following three areas to be strengthened. First, respect for International Humanitarian law and human rights by all parties. It is imperative to minimize the impact of Armed Conflict on the food situation. Axis by civilians to essential goods and Services Must be preserved. Items that are essential to civilian survival, such as food stamps, water insulations and other infrastructure needed for Food Production and supply must not be attacked. Must be protected as required by International Humanitarian law. We call on the parties concerned to guarantee the rapid , safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need. We deplore the fact that humanitarian acts such as the icrc are not always to carry out their operations as is currently the case across the corridor. We also record the importance of implementing Council Resolution 2664, which facilitates humanitarian operations in some of the most difficult context. Second, in many, it is often women and girls who eat last and eat least. This is even true in situations of conflict where women and girls also Seek Solutions as pointed out by the special representative of the secretary general on Sexual Violence in conflict. We must not let Food Insecurity increase. This is why we need to ensure that a gender perspective is integrated into measures to improve Food Security. Third, impunity. Particularly for those who deliberately starve the civilians as a method of warfare must be resolutely combative. All too often the civilian population is deliberate and causing immense