22 July 2022 – An "unprecedented agreement" on the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war is "a beacon of hope" in a world that desperately needs it, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the signing ceremony in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Friday.
The UN plan, which also paves the way for Russian food and fertilizer to reach global markets, will help to stabilize spiralling food prices worldwide and stave off famine, affecting millions.
"Today, there is a beacon on the Black Sea," the UN chief said at the signing ceremony. "A beacon of hope – a beacon of possibility – a beacon of relief -- in a world that needs it more than ever."
Mr. Guterres thanked President Erdogan and his government for facilitating the talks that led to the deal. He commended the Russian and Ukrainian representatives for putting aside their differences in the common interests of humanity.
More than four months since the start of the war in Ukraine, people globally are facing a cost-of-living crisis not seen in more than a generation, with escalating price shocks in the global food, energy and fertilizer markets - in a world already grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
An estimated 1.6 billion people in 94 countries are exposed to at least one dimension of the crisis, and about 1.2 billion of them live in 'perfect-storm' countries which are severely vulnerable to all three dimensions – food, energy and finance - of the cost-of-living crisis, according to the latest findings of the United Nations Secretary-General's Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) on food, energy and finance systems.
"For those on the ground, every day brings new bloodshed and suffering. And for people around the world, the war, together with the other crises, is threatening to unleash an unprecedented wave of hunger and destitution, leaving social and economic chaos in its wake," warned Secretary-General António Guterres at the launch of the group's latest brief. "Vulnerable people and vulnerable countries are already being hit hard, but make no mistake: no country or community will be left untouched by this cost-of-living crisis."
Media Stakeout, New York
In five days, Ukrainians and Russians will mark Easter. This holiday unites the Orthodox Christians in both Russia and Ukraine -- as well as Catholic Ukrainians -- in celebration.
Easter is a season for renewal, resurrection and hope.
It is a time for reflection on the meaning of suffering, sacrifice, death — and rebirth.
Statement, New York
Madame President, Excellencies,
The war in Ukraine is one of the greatest challenges ever to the international order and the global peace architecture, founded on the United Nations Charter.
Because of its nature, intensity, and consequences.
Press Remarks, New York
Today, I am announcing that in the exercise of my good offices, I have asked Martin Griffiths, the Coordinator of our humanitarian work worldwide, immediately to explore with the parties involved the possible agreements and arrangements for a humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine.
Press Remarks, New York
One month ago, the Russian Federation launched a massive invasion of the sovereign territory of Ukraine in violation of the UN Charter.
It was done after months of building up a military force of overwhelming proportion along the Ukrainian border.
Since then, we have seen appalling human suffering and destruction in cities, towns and villages.
Systematic bombardments that terrorise civilians.
Press Remarks, New York
Ukraine is on fire.
The country is being decimated before the eyes of the world.
The impact on civilians is reaching terrifying proportions.
Countless innocent people – including women and children – have been killed.
After being hit by Russian forces, roads, airports and schools lie in ruins.
Press Remarks, New York
Ladies and gentlemen of the media,
The General Assembly has spoken.
As Secretary-General, it is my duty to stand by this resolution and be guided by its call.
The message of the General Assembly is loud and clear:
End hostilities in Ukraine — now.
Silence the guns — now.
Open the door to dialogue and diplomacy — now.
Remarks, New York
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues,
In the past week, a country has been thrown into chaos; a region has been upended; and the reverberations are being felt around the world.
Hundreds of civilians have been killed and injured in Ukraine.
Innocent people are once again paying the highest price of war.
Photo: UNICEF
Statement, New York
In five days, Ukrainians and Russians will mark Easter. This holiday unites the Orthodox Christians in both Russia and Ukraine -- as well as Catholic Ukrainians -- in celebration.
Easter is a season for renewal, resurrection and hope.
It is a time for reflection on the meaning of suffering, sacrifice, death — and rebirth.
Statement, New York
We are seeing Russian military operations inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine on a scale that Europe has not seen in decades.
Day after day, I have been clear that such unilateral measures conflict directly with the United Nations Charter.
The Charter is clear: "All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."
UN News
Hours after speakers took the floor at in the 193-member General Assembly to denounce Russia's actions towards Ukraine and appeal for diplomacy, Mr. Guterres said that instead of repeating what he'd stated there, his political chief would update the Council on "a number of events" that had taken place during the day.
UN Photo/Mark Garten
Press Encounter, New York
SG: This is the saddest moment in my tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations. I started this meeting of the Security Council addressing President Putin and telling him from the bottom of my heart: Stop your troops from an offensive against Ukraine, give peace a chance because too many people have died.
Statement, New York
Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Mr. President, Excellencies.
I want to reaffirm what I expressed this morning in the meeting in the General Assembly, but of course it would not make any sense to bother you reading again the same text that I am sure you are all aware of.
Statement, New York
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
We meet in the face of the most serious global peace and security crisis in recent years – and certainly in my time as Secretary-General.
Our world is facing a moment of peril. I truly hoped it would not come.
Press Encounter, New York
As you know, I have cut short an overseas visit – including a very important summit of African leaders – to rush back to UN headquarters.
Our world is facing the biggest global peace and security crisis in recent years – certainly in my tenure as Secretary-General.
