54 countries urge UN agencies to restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea

Representatives of 54 members of the UN organisations in Rome have called on the heads of FAO, WFP and IFAD to support international efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. They also urged immediate action to mitigate the impact of the current escalation on global food security.

The appeal highlights that the Black Sea region is one of the world’s leading exporters of grains and oilseeds and supplies about 30% of global wheat demand. The escalation in the region is creating major uncertainty over export prospects during the peak harvest period.

Disruptions to shipping are already driving up insurance and transport costs and increasing food price volatility. According to the statement, wheat prices are currently 27% above January 2026 levels.

The impact is particularly severe for low-income countries and major food-importing markets in North Africa, the Near East and parts of Asia. The signatories warned that further escalation in the Black Sea could increase risks to food affordability and global food security.

The appeal was backed by Ukraine, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, EU countries and a number of other states. The statement stressed that food must never be used as a weapon, whether in the Black Sea or elsewhere.

Tags: logistics, food security, UN, Black Sea region, wheat, shipping