The Global Challenge of Zero Hunger

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) aims to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. Currently, 828 million people are hungry, with 349 million facing severe hunger, primarily due to conflict, climate change, poverty, and food waste. Conflict is a major barrier to achieving zero hunger, with nearly 60% of the hungriest individuals living in conflict zones, perpetuating cycles of violence and food insecurity. Climate change exacerbates hunger through extreme weather events that disrupt food access and economies. Additionally, poverty and inequality are root causes of global hunger, with declines in bee populations threatening agricultural productivity. Despite producing enough food globally, about 40% is wasted in high-income countries, while low-income countries experience significant loss during growth and storage. Malnutrition affects nearly 3 billion people in various forms, including undernutrition and obesity. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified food insecurity, reversing years of progress and pushing millions into undernourishment. The economic impacts of the pandemic have increased global poverty for the first time since 1990, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action across sectors to achieve zero hunger and improve global food systems.