In light of the systemic shocks caused by the war in the Middle East, the Holy See's Permanent Observer to the FAO urges immediate measures to stabilize markets and protect vulnerable populations and echoes the Pope's call to "let us embrace diplomacy to ensure sustainable development."
By Davide Dionisi The Holy See has expressed deep concern regarding the numerous crises affecting the people of the Middle East and Africa, with significant impacts on agro-food production systems. The ongoing conflicts and severe weather events are pushing an increasing number of people into poverty, hunger, and food insecurity. Archbishop Fernando Chica Arellano, the Holy See's Permanent Observer to the FAO, IFAD, and WFP voiced this concern during the 38th session of the Regional Conference for the Middle East (NERC), where one of the themes was "Strategic measures to be adopted in response to systemic crises affecting agro-food systems in the context of the ongoing conflict." A coordinated political response According to Archbishop Chica Arellano, "the rising costs of energy and fertilizers, coupled with uncertainty in supply chains, are driving up production costs and exacerbating food price volatility, particularly in vulnerable countries that depend on imports." "The escalation of the current conflict in the Middle East," explained the Holy See’s Permanent Observer, "will have consequences beyond borders and further worsen hunger worldwide, especially among the most vulnerable populations. " Therefore, he stressed the urgent need to put into action "a coordinated and multi-level political response to manage the crises we are facing, protect populations, and strengthen long-term resilience." Preserving energy and food security "This particularly concerns preventing localized disturbances from escalating into broader economic and humanitarian crises," the Archbishop emphasized. In this context, he pushed that "immediate measures must be taken to stabilize supply chains and long-term strategies focused on the resilience of sustainable national agriculture, renewable energy, and structural adjustments, in order to preserve global energy and food security." Papal appeals The Permanent Observer also reminded those present at the conference that, in the face of numerous factors of instability exacerbating poverty and food insecurity, Pope Leo XIV has consistently advocated for peace. "The end of divisions and hostilities is essential to open pathways to peace, based on sincere dialogue and respect for the dignity of every person," he stated, adding that "the challenge is also to alleviate the suffering of populations who, despite being innocent, tragically become victims of conflicts caused by others." Archbishop Chica Arellano then affirmed that the Holy See is closely monitoring the situation in many regions of the world ravaged by war and violence. "As the Holy Father has emphasized, the death and suffering caused by these wars are a scandal to all of humanity and a cry to God," said the Permanent Observer said, noting that "the promotion of peace must be at the center of all diplomatic action so that the sound of bombs ceases, weapons fall silent, and space is created for dialogue, where the voices of the people can be heard." Negotiating solutions Archbishop Chica Arellano stressed that "while we hope that a negotiated solution to the conflicts will soon be found, the Holy See’s delegation is confident that the work of this regional conference can contribute to the adoption of principles and provisions aimed at strengthening international cooperation for food security for all and the promotion of peace—essential elements to ensure truly sustainable development and eradicate hunger in the world."