International organizations call for urgent action on food security amid war in Ukraine

The heads of the World Bank Group (WBG), International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations World Food Program (WFP), and World Trade Organization (WTO) have called for urgent action on food security in the face of Russian aggression and other global challenges.

They issued the call in a joint statement published on the IMF's website on Wednesday, Ukrinform reports.

"The world is shaken by compounding crises. The fallout of the war in Ukraine is adding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that now enters its third year, while climate change and increased fragility and conflict pose persistent harm to people around the globe," the statement said.

The heads of the international institutions stressed that sharply higher prices for staples and supply shortages are increasing pressure on households worldwide and pushing millions more into poverty.

"We call on the international community to urgently support vulnerable countries through coordinated actions ranging from provision of emergency food supplies, financial support, increased agricultural production, and open trade," the statement read.

It also urges the international community to help support urgent financing needs, including through grants. It is also proposed to facilitate unhindered trade and invest in sustainable food production and nutrition security.

"It is critical to quickly provide support for food insecure countries in a coordinated manner. We stand ready to work together with our multilateral and bilateral partners to help countries address this urgent crisis," the statement said.