Global disruptions to energy supplies and trade routes are increasing the cost of food, transportation and essential goods around the world, weakening economic growth and placing greater strain on vulnerable households and debt-burdened developing nations.
The concerns were raised during a special session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Friday, which focused on protecting energy and trade flows amid ongoing instability in fuel markets, shipping networks and supply chains.
"This is not only an energy challenge. It is a development challenge. It is a financing challenge," ECOSOC President Lok Bahadur Thapa told delegates at UN Headquarters in New York.
"Above all, it is a test of our collective ability to deliver on the promise of the 2030 Agenda."
The 2030 Agenda, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, aims to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and protect the planet through sustainable development goals by the end of the decade.
Higher fuel and transportation costs, along with trade disruptions and tighter financial conditions, are increasing pressure on developing economies - especially those heavily reliant on imported food and energy and already struggling with debt.
UN estimates show that global fuel prices are currently more than twice the 2025 average. Fertilizer prices may also stay 15 to 20 per cent higher through the first half of 2026 if current disruptions persist. These increases are already contributing to higher food prices and living expenses worldwide.
"More than 32 million additional people are at risk of being pushed into poverty globally as a result of the combined shock of rising energy prices, higher food costs and weakening economic growth," Thapa said
Women, children and young people are particularly vulnerable to rising energy and food costs, especially in countries where families spend much of their income on basic necessities.
Li Junhua, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, warned that instability in energy and supply systems is putting additional stress on an already fragile global economy by fuelling inflation and limiting governments' ability to invest in key sectors.
"Safeguarding energy and supply flows is therefore not just an economic imperative; it is a fundamental requirement for achieving inclusive and sustainable development," he said.
Li identified four urgent priorities: maintaining open and predictable energy and commodity markets, expanding affordable financing for developing nations, investing in resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure, and accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7, which focuses on access to affordable and reliable energy. "UNB
