PRESS BRIEFING BY THE UNITED NATIONS INFORMATION SERVICE

Alessandra Vellucci of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) in Geneva, chaired the hybrid briefing, attended by the spokespersons and representatives of the World Meteorological Organization, the Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Health Organization. 

Monthly update on global food commodity prices (FAO Food Price Index)

Monika Tothova, Senior Economist with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), speaking from Rome, said the FAO food pricing index was released this morning at 10am. The index tracked the average of five commodity group price indices. From 2023, the index was almost 14 percent lower than 2022 at 124 points. The cereal index was below the 2022 average by around 17 percent, however the FAO rice price index had increased by over 20 percent. The vegetable oils index sharply declined by 33 percent compared to 2022. Sugar declined almost 17 percent from November, the largest decrease of all indexes, but still remained 15 percent above its 2022 level. The sugar price index was up almost 27 percent from 2022, and represented the highest value since 2011. The meat price index decreased, while the dairy price index increased, mostly underpinned by strong internal sales in Western Europe over the holiday period. Both meat and dairy prices went down compared to 2022.

The full press release can be viewed here. 

Responding to questions, Ms. Tothova said the Food Price index was looking at the prices of commodities which were globally traded. In the five commodity groups of cereals, sugar, vegetable oils, meat and dairy, most of the markets were well supplied, but there were concerns on how these supplies would get to where they were needed. This implied challenges in logistical arrangements. The situation in the Black Sea, which allowed exports from Ukraine, also remained sensitive and uncertain. Food insecurity across the world was driven by many factors, with conflict being one of the most significant. The higher commodity prices were also making it difficult for many countries to purchase enough basic staple foods, to satisfy needs. These factors were driving acute food insecurity. While the situation on the world market was currently relatively calm, there were many factors impacting acute food security in many countries of the world. 

Release of the consolidated global temperature figures for 2023

Clare Nullis, for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said the consolidated global temperature data, based on six international data sets, would be released next Friday, 12 January, and a press release would be issued. Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service would be announcing their figures for 2023 on 9 January. WMO were waiting a few more days for final figures, but could already confirm that 2023 had been the hottest year on record.

Increase in COVID-19 Cases

Responding to questions, Christian Lindmeier, for the World Health Organization (WHO), said globally, the new cases of COVID-19 had increased by 52 percent in the four-week period, from 20 November to 17 December 2023, compared to the previous 28-day period. This amounted to 850,000 new cases reported globally. The number of new deaths had also increased by 8 percent, to 3000 fatalities reported. The new variant of interest, JN.1, was part of the omicron variant, and was being monitored. The situation was ongoing, and WHO were expecting to share a more comprehensive update and briefing, hopefully next week. Reporting of COVID-19 cases around the world had dropped off, and vaccination centres had been dismantled, which led to an incomplete picture. The world should expect there were more cases than had officially been reported. Mr. Lindmeier confirmed the first briefing of the year with Dr. Tedros would take place on 10 Wednesday at 15:00. 

Professor Celeste Saulo, new Secretary-General of WMO

Clare Nullis, for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said Professor Celeste Saulo had started work as the WMO Secretary-General, and had her first day in the office yesterday. A press release had been distributed. She was the first female Secretary-General of WMO and the first from Latin America. A press conference is being planned with Professor Saulo for the week of 15 January. 

Announcements

Alessandra Vellucci of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) said the closure of the Palais des Nations had been extended for one additional week, bringing the new opening to Monday15 January. Journalists would have full access to their offices and building E would be open for conferences during this period. The next two briefings, on 9 and 12 January would be fully virtual, and the media would be kept updated on any changes. Next week, the Palais would be accessible through all usual entrances. Press conferences would resume the week of 15 January.

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