STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE, AT THE HIGH-LEVEL OPEN DEBATE ON “FAMINE AND CONFLICT-INDUCED GLOBAL FOOD INSECURITY”, UN SECURITY COUNCIL, 3 AUGUST 2023

Madam President,

1 Let me begin by congratulating the United States for assuming the Presidency of the Security Council.  We commend you for convening today’s debate on “Famine and Conflict-Induced Global Food Insecurity”. I also wish to thank Ms Reena Ghelani, as well as the other briefers for their very insightful briefings this morning.

Madam President,

2 The world is facing a critical moment in global food insecurity.  More than 780 million people or 10% of the world's population are experiencing hunger today, and this remains above pre-pandemic levels. Intensifying global challenges such as geopolitical conflicts in various parts of the world, climate change, and economic volatility have exacerbated food insecurity worldwide and contributed to rising food prices.

3 Food security is an existential concern for many small countries and Small Island Developing States, including for an island nation like Singapore.  Singapore is highly dependent on imported food. In fact, we import more than 90 percent of the food that we consume. This dependence means that we are disproportionately affected by any disruptions in global food supply.

4 The world needs urgent and collective action to address the global food crisis and to strengthen food system resilience. In this regard, please allow me to make three points.

5 First, it is imperative that we keep the global food supply chains free and open. This includes upholding the rules-based multilateral trading system; ensuring unimpeded movement of essential items such as food and agricultural commodities; and refraining from imposing export prohibitions or restrictions in a manner inconsistent with relevant provisions of the World Trade Organisation.

6 Second, food security should not be politicised or weaponised. We must not allow the vicious cycle between conflict and hunger to be perpetuated.  In this regard, we strongly support the UN Secretary-General’s call for the resumption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, including the Secretary-General’s commitment to facilitate the unimpeded access to global food markets for food products and fertilisers from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation.  We also call on all member states not to politicise humanitarian aid and to ensure the safe and timely delivery of food assistance to people in need.

7 Third, we need to invest in building sustainable and resilient global food systems. Food security is not just a local or regional problem, but a global challenge, because of our inter-dependencies and how food crises can have spillover effects as well as broader implications. This means that we need to collectively invest in global food systems as a global public good, and we need to shift away from the mindset that the only way to address the issue is through aid. We should also address food insecurity as part of the broader ecological crisis which includes climate change, biodiversity loss, as well as water scarcity. From enhancing supply chain connectivity to developing new agrifood solutions, there are many areas that we can cooperate here in the UN.

Madam President,

8                   Addressing the global food crisis requires collective responsibility and actions. Singapore will continue to do its part, and we are prepared work with all Member States, including members of the Security Council, to strengthen collaboration and coordination in this regard.

9                   I thank you for your attention.

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