Climate change, geopolitics obstruct UN goal of hunger-free world: German economist

Achieving the United Nations’ goal of a hunger-free world by 2030 is unlikely, according to a German economist. Despite the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), widespread hunger and malnutrition persist globally hindering development.

The SDGs, a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity, urge all countries to act in a global partnership to address this critical issue.

Addressing the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE), professor of agricultural economics and director of the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany, Martin Qaim further said some forms of malnutrition are even on the rise globally.

“Our goal of a world without hunger will most likely not be achieved by 2030,” he said.

Qaim said climate change and geopolitical tensions are exacerbating hunger and malnutrition problems.

“And we can not ignore that our food systems themselves were contributing significantly to the climate crisis and several other environmental problems,” he said.

Noting that without major changes in the way the world produces, distributes and consumes foods, Qaim said that none of the 17 SDG goals can be achieved.