Business programme

Ensuring Global Food Security in the Current Environment

15 Jun , 11:00–12:15
The World Economy at a Global Turning Point
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
In partnership with the Russian Association of Fertilizer Producers (RAFP)

Global food security is under threat from drought, desertification, soil exhaustion, overpopulation and climate change. In recent years, trade restrictions have also emerged as a critical concern. In 2022, sanctions were imposed on Russian goods, adding to the prohibitive duties and tariffs that have already been in place for many years. Western countries have done their best to disrupt the global food and fertilizer supply chains from Russia. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) called 2022 a year of "catastrophic hunger". The latest UN report on food security highlights alarming figures: approximately 258 million people in 58 countries experienced severe food shortages last year, marking a one-third increase compared to the previous year. The FAO Food Price Index rose by exactly one-third from the pre-pandemic level, further exacerbating the food security situation. Experts predict a further deterioration of global food security. Given that Russia is the largest exporter of grain and fertilizers, it plays a crucial role in addressing the global food crisis. Consequently, Russia bears a significant responsibility for fostering relationships with developing countries and overcoming politically motivated restrictions imposed by the West on the supply of essential products, which directly impact the well-being of billions of people in friendly nations. Have Russian fertilizer producers and agribusiness companies successfully overcome the new challenges and restructured their supply logistics? Is the alternative trade system between Russia and friendly countries proving to be effective? Is the UN's "Grain Deal" helping to ensure the unhindered supply of essential products to countries in need? Do states have efficient mechanisms in place to control the escalating food inflation?

Moderator
Aleksander Yakovenko, Rector, The Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation

Panellists
Victoria Abramchenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation
Riccardo Valentini, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; Professor, University of Tuscia (online)
Andrey Guryev, President, Russian Association of Fertilizer Producers (RAFP)
Nikita Gusakov, Chief Executive Officer, EXIAR; Senior Vice President, Russian Export Center
Wilmar Alfredo Castro Soteldo, Minister of People's Power for Agriculture and Lands of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Benedict Okey Oramah, President, Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank)
Vitaliy Sergeychuk, Member of the Management Board, VTB Bank

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