UAE Urges Robust Protection of Global Supply Chains to Secure World Food Security

A UAE minister has issued a stern warning that escalating threats to global supply chains risk pushing tens of millions of people into acute food insecurity, triggering severe consequences for the global economy. Khalifa Al Marar, Minister of State, delivered this crucial appeal during an Arria Formula meeting held on September 17 on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session in New York.

Mr Al Marar strongly emphasized that safeguarding vital supply chains, trade routes, and energy flows remains fundamental to preserving international peace and stability. He cautioned that any disruption to these interconnected networks directly undermines food security and restricts the availability of fertilizers, which are essential for global agriculture.

Highlighting alarming World Food Programme estimates, Mr Al Marar noted that ongoing disruptions could plunge up to 45 million individuals into severe food insecurity, with nations in the Global South suffering the most severe impacts. Grounding his arguments in international law, the minister invoked the Law of the Sea and core principles of state sovereignty. He warned that failing to protect critical trade and energy supply chains would thoroughly undermine the established norms and rules governing relations between states.

Concluding his remarks, Mr Al Marar reaffirmed the UAE's steadfast commitment to diplomatic efforts focused on easing tensions, de-escalating conflicts, and promoting regional stability. The high-level meeting was chaired by Dr Abdullatif Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, just ahead of the General Debate of the 81st General Assembly session.