, May 16 -- 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 a...