"BLACK SEA"

Secretary-General António Guterres said the United Nations “very much” counts on the European Union “to lead the transformations that are necessary in order to be able to put back on track the 2030 agenda.” COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION / UNRIC

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime inspectors continue providing support as the deal allowing for the sea export of Ukraine grain renewed. UNODC

The United Nations top humanitarian official said it was “vital for global food security” that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and the parallel Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Federation and the UN Secretariat on the facilitation of Russian food and fertilizer exports continue, “and should be fully implemented.” UNIFEED

“Within the context of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the agreement foresees a renewal of 120 days but, in the present circumstances, the Secretary-General and his team are focused, in close contact with all the parties, on doing everything possible to ensure continuity of the Initiative,” a UN Spokesperson said. UNIFEED

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Ukraine to discuss with President Zelenskyy the possible continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which will expire on 18 March. OCHA

The benchmark index of international food commodity prices declined in February for the eleventh consecutive month, albeit only marginally, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported today. UNIFEED

One year since February 24, 2022, the war in Ukraine continues to inflict untold suffering on civilians, to displace families, and to disrupt supply chains and food production. WFP

Almost a year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the UN appealed today for USD 5.6 billion to help millions of people affected inside the war-torn country and beyond. UNTV CH

Asked about the Russian Foreign Ministry's comments regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a UN spokesperson said, “we have been extremely transparent on the work we are doing and the other efforts.” UNIFEED

War leaving invisible scars for Ukrainians, Under-Secretary-General tells Security Council, noting one fourth of population will develop mental-health condition.