[United Nations Establishes Task Force to Address Hormuz Strait Crisis] According to a report by Jinse Finance, on August 24, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated at a press conference that the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine are severely impacting global trade, energy, and food supplies by disrupting maritime shipping. Shipping blockages in the Hormuz Strait, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea have restricted the transport of critical goods such as oil, fertilizers, and food, leading to significant increases in oil prices, container shipping costs, and fertilizer expenses. This has further exacerbated global hunger and hardships for vulnerable populations. Guterres explained that to address the Hormuz Strait crisis, the United Nations has established a task force and plans to create a UN-coordinated mechanism for registration, verification, monitoring, and conflict de-escalation. In its initial phase, the mechanism will focus on ensuring the transport of fertilizers and related raw materials. The Secretary-General emphasized that this mechanism will not alter any nation's sovereign rights nor replace the political efforts needed to restore freedom of navigation and resolve conflicts. However, it can serve as a pragmatic first step to reduce risks, ensure the transport of essential goods, and rebuild trust. (CCTV News)