The World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened its ministerial meeting in Geneva amid an economic crisis exacerbated by disruptions of food and energy supplies caused by the coronavirus pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo Iweala said she was "cautiously optimistic" the organization can reach "one or two" agreements on a spate of pressing global issues.
"Let me be clear, even landing one or two will not be an easy road. The road will be bumpy and rocky. There may be a land mine along the way," she told a news conference ahead of the meeting.
The Nigerian WTO chief urged trade ministers to strive over the coming days to reach agreements on issues such as reducing fishing subsidies, increasing access to COVID-19 vaccines, addressing food security, and to tackling overall reform at the organization.
She said the food emergency caused by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine -- which has led to the blockading of many important ports -- has disrupted exports of 22 million to 25 million tons of grain from a crucial European breadbasket.
Several WTO members have said they will not negotiate with Moscow. The Kremlin is certain to block any attempt by Ukraine's allies to issue a ministerial statement on the crisis or its impact on food supplies.
"In the background, there is the possible total disruption from the Ukraine war," Peter Van den Bossche, director of studies at the World Trade Institute, told Reuters.
"I have no doubt Russia will demonstrate that, without it, no progress can be made."
The summit will run from June 12-15.