According to CCTV News, on August 24, UN Secretary General Guterres said that the Middle East conflict and the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted maritime navigation and affected global trade, energy and food supply. The Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and Black Sea shipping have been obstructed, resulting in restrictions on the transportation of oil, fertilizers, and food, and an increase in oil prices, freight rates, and fertilizer costs. The United Nations has established a working group to plan the establishment of a registration, verification, monitoring, and conflict resolution mechanism coordinated by the United Nations, with an initial focus on ensuring the transportation of fertilizers and related raw materials. Guterres pointed out that this mechanism does not change national sovereignty rights, nor does it replace political efforts. It is a pragmatic first step in reducing risks, ensuring the transportation of essential goods, and rebuilding trust.
