Conference Crimea Global 2025: Ukraine presents the role of the agricultural sector in food security in the Global South

On November 17, Kyiv hosted the Third International Conference "Crimea Global: Understanding Ukraine through the South" under the slogan “Holding On, Speaking Out,” organized by the Crimean Platform Representative Office, the ZMINA Human Rights Center, and the Media Initiative for Human Rights.

Crimea Global is one of the key platforms dedicated to the development of Ukraine's relations with countries in Asia, Africa, South and Latin America, as well as promotion of Ukraine's role in global security and overcoming the consequences of russian aggression. It is these regions – the countries of the Global South – that are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the global political agenda, ensuring food security, and countering the consequences of russian aggression.

The event brought together government representatives, experts, and journalists from more than ten countries. In particular, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Brazil, Mexico, India, and Malaysia. The Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine was represented by Deputy Minister Taras Vysotskyi, who took part in a panel discussion on expanding economic cooperation with the countries of the Global South.

"Ukraine has long been more than just the ‘breadbasket of Europe’—today we are a key element of global food security and a reliable partner for countries of the Global South.

Despite the war, missile strikes, and russia's attempts to block our exports, since 2022 we have supplied 66 million tonnes of grain worth over USD 13 billion to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In total, over 40% of Ukrainian grain exports go to this region. In the meantime, Ukraine is moving from exporting raw materials to creating joint solutions in processing, logistics, green energy, and digital technologies. Our goal is to build long-term, equal partnerships that strengthen the resilience of both Ukraine and our international partners," Taras Vysotskyi emphasized.

He also added that Ukraine's largest agricultural trading partners are China, Egypt, Indonesia, Algeria, and Tunisia.

It is worth noting that the countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America are strategically important markets for Ukrainian agricultural products and key partners in strengthening global food security. Cooperation with the countries of the Global South also plays an important role in the political sphere, particularly in supporting Ukraine on international platforms, countering russian disinformation, and forming a broad coalition against russian aggression.

Deepening cooperation with these countries gives Ukraine the opportunity to:

• make a significant contribution to combating hunger and improving the resilience of global food systems;
• increase exports of high value-added products;
• attract investment in logistics, agro-processing, and innovative technologies;
• create partnerships for the development of sustainable agriculture, land reclamation, and restoration of damaged land.

The conference confirmed Ukraine's growing role in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and strengthened the foundation for further economic and political dialogue. Conference's participants noted that deepening Ukraine's cooperation with countries in the Global South opens up new opportunities for trade, investment, and humanitarian ties.