Continuation of the Istanbul Agreements, Shipping…

**Continuation of the Istanbul Agreements

I have a statement to read: The Secretary-General notes the indispensable role food and fertilizer exports from the Russian Federation and Ukraine continue to play in support of global food security. He reiterates the importance of full and continued implementation of the agreements signed in Istanbul in July 2022, to help ensure that these products can reach global markets smoothly, efficiently and at scale. These agreements are an all-too-rare demonstration of what the world can do when it puts its mind to the great challenges of our time. Together, the agreements are contributing to sustained reductions in global food prices, which are now more than 23 per cent below the record highs reached in March last year. The Secretary-General and his team remain fully committed to building on the progress already made and are in constant contact with a wide range of stakeholders in this regard. The Secretary-General calls on all concerned to prioritize global food security.

**Greenhouse-Gas Emissions

Today in London, member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a revised strategy to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from international shipping. The revised strategy includes an enhanced common ambition to reach net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions from international shipping close to 2050

**Ukraine

In Ukraine, we are continuing to support survivors following yesterday’s deadly attack in the western city of Lviv.

**South Sudan

On the twelfth anniversary of the country’s independence, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, said that the United Nations family remains committed to working with the South Sudanese people, as well as regional and international partners for sustainable peace and stability

**Sudan

And as the fighting continues in Sudan, we are stepping up support for the growing number of people fleeing to neighbouring countries

This week, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, also allocated $5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support new arrivals in Ethiopia.
**Occupied Palestinian Territory

Lynn Hastings, the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, briefed the Security Council this morning in consultations on the recent situation in Jenin. Our humanitarian colleagues are on the ground in Jenin today assessing and responding to urgent needs.

**Haiti

María Isabel Salvador, in remarks to the Security Council yesterday, reiterated our call for a robust international force authorized by the Security Council, which should complement and strengthen — not replace — the Haitian National Police, in full respect for Haiti’s national sovereignty.

**Food Price Index

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported today that the benchmark index of international food commodity prices declined again in June, led by price decreases for all major cereals and most types of vegetable oil. World cereal production is predicted to hit a record high in 2023/24, according to the latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, also released today. FAO raised its 2023 global cereal production forecast, indicating a 1.1 per cent increase from last year. More on this online.

**Kiswahili Language Day

Today is Kiswahili Language Day. With over 200 million speakers, it is one of the most widely used African languages, encompassing more than a dozen main dialects. Happy World Kiswahili Language Day. And here goes nothing: Siku njema ya kimataifa ya Kiswahili. Thank you.