Kuwait Condemns Maritime Obstructions at UN Assembly
Kuwaiti officials argue that regional shipping blockades are exacerbating global food insecurity and transport costs.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Nutrition
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Kuwait has officially condemned the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing obstruction of shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The nation claims these maritime blockades are significantly hindering global food security and increasing international transportation costs.
Why it matters
Disruptions to key shipping lanes threaten the stability of global food supply chains, directly impacting regions where millions already face chronic hunger. Kuwait highlighted these concerns to emphasize the urgent need for open maritime transit to mitigate rising costs.
Global hunger prevalence reached 7.8 percent in 2025, with approximately 292 million people hungry in Asia and 309 million in Africa. Nearly one-fifth of the African population is estimated to be suffering from hunger.
The players
Dalal Sharar
She serves as a Diplomatic Attaché for Kuwait and represented the nation at the United Nations.
Khaled Al-Shuraian
He is the Lieutenant General and Chief of the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army.
Frolkin Alexey
He represents the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation.
The details
Diplomatic Attaché Dalal Sharar delivered the official condemnation during the UN General Assembly Second Committee discussion on poverty eradication and agricultural development. Additionally, Kuwaiti military leadership recently met with Russian representatives to discuss regional cooperation.
Timeline
2025: Global hunger prevalence reached 7.8 percent.
October 15, 2026: Dalal Sharar addressed the UN General Assembly Second Committee.
The Big Picture
Kuwait's condemnation of maritime blockades complicates progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 regarding the elimination of hunger. This story marks a departure from international efforts to ensure food security as mandated by global development goals.
Rising transportation costs linked to maritime blockades could lead to higher prices for imported food staples in affected regions. Consumers may face increased household spending on basic nutrition as global supply chains remain under pressure.
The takeaway
These geopolitical disruptions serve as a reminder of how interconnected global security is with the accessibility of food. Policymakers and citizens alike must account for the reality that maritime stability is a prerequisite for maintaining food affordability.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in international food security on our Nutrition page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ARAB TIMES - KUWAIT.
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