The disruption of global supply chains, trade, and energy flows could drive up to 45 million people into acute food insecurity, UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Almarar warned, citing estimates from the World Food Programme. He made the remarks during a closed-door meeting held ahead of the United Nations General Assembly’s annual debate.

The meeting, conducted under the “Arria-formula” format and chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani, underscored the critical link between secure supply lines and international peace and stability. Almarar emphasized that any threats to the uninterrupted flow of these essential resources have far-reaching effects not only on food security and agricultural inputs such as fertilizers but also on the global economy as a whole.

Almarar highlighted that the most severe consequences are borne by countries in the Global South, where food insecurity risks intensify amid already fragile economic conditions. The minister urged the international community to uphold the protection of supply chains, trade, and energy corridors in line with international law and maritime regulations, while fully respecting state sovereignty.

He cautioned that failure to safeguard these channels could erode the foundations of international law and disrupt established norms governing state relations. In his closing remarks, Almarar reiterated the UAE’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating regional tensions, reducing conflict risks, and strengthening overall stability to benefit populations across the region.