[Green Monday Series] What does Zero Hunger (SDG 2) mean at UEH?

Although the world has made significant progress, food insecurity remains a serious challenge, with over 30% of the global population lacking access to a stable food supply. In alignment with SDG 2 - Zero Hunger, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has implemented initiatives aimed at ending hunger and malnutrition, while ensuring access to safe and adequate food. This article in the Green Monday Series will explore UEH's efforts on its journey to realize the second of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hunger and food insecurity have been increasing alarmingly since 2015 and worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the United Nations, approximately half of the world's population still faced hunger in 2024, and nearly 2.3 billion people lacked access to adequate and nutritious food. Furthermore, billions of people still cannot afford a healthy diet. It is projected that by 2030, over 600 million people may still be living in poverty. These alarming figures show that hunger is no longer just an urgent issue but has become a protracted crisis, severely impacting human health and development.

The primary causes stem from numerous complex factors such as social conflicts, climate change, rising living costs, and deepening inequality. These disruptions affect agricultural production, obstruct food supply chains, drive up food prices, and prevent many people from accessing necessary nutrition. Moreover, hunger and malnutrition create a vicious cycle where declining health leads to lower labor productivity, reduced opportunities to improve income, and an inability to meet basic living needs. This situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions regarding sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.

At UEH, SDG 2 - Zero Hunger is implemented by ensuring food security right on campus. Specifically, the "Green University Regulations" help students easily access safe, diverse, and reasonably priced food through a standard canteen system, water filters, vending machines, and other amenities. Concurrently, approximately 1,500 students receive direct support in the form of food, essential supplies, free or low-cost meals through volunteer programs, dormitory activities, and extracurricular campaigns. A 2024 survey recorded that about 20% of UEH students regularly use the canteen, which meets the food safety and hygiene standards of the Vietnam Ministry of Health and is inspected annually. Furthermore, vegetarian and environmentally friendly options have been widely implemented, contributing to improved nutritional quality and promoting a sustainable lifestyle within the student community.

Beyond ensuring campus food security, UEH extends its impact to the community through training, research, and knowledge transfer activities. In 2024, over 500 farmers gained access to new information and technologies, alongside 12 research projects supporting sustainable production, food security, clean water, and ecosystem conservation. Additionally, media campaigns, volunteer initiatives, and community projects have been widely deployed to disseminate knowledge about the environment and sustainable agriculture. At the national and international levels, seminars and cooperative programs have brought together global experts, fostering academic-business-local linkages, thereby promoting innovation and helping farmers improve productivity and adapt to climate change.

Simultaneously, student-led initiatives such as emotion-sensing AI-integrated water dispensers, automated fruit smoothie vending machines, and low-cost instant noodle vending machines demonstrate the proactive role of the younger generation in contributing to solving food security challenges. These solutions not only increase access to food but also help reduce waste, moving towards a more sustainable, convenient, and flexible food system. On this basis, UEH has facilitated the enhancement of sustainable agricultural practices by granting access to facilities such as labs, innovation spaces, free exhibition areas, and marketplaces. These efforts have enabled UEH to manage approximately 26.14 tons of recorded food waste, with 61 students graduating in agriculture and fisheries fields integrating sustainability elements.

Infographic of UEH's contributions to SDG 2 - Zero Hunger

A world without hunger is not just a destination but also a foundation for building a future with a sustainable economy, healthy people, expanded education, and equal opportunities for all. When hunger is no longer a barrier, the goals of education, healthcare, and gender equality can truly be realized. On that journey, UEH is gradually striving to spread sustainable values through practical activities, from its campus to the wider community. This is not only a commitment but also a statement that a future without hunger can indeed begin with the changes we make today.

This article was prepared with reference to:

1. UEH Sustainability Report 2024: https://books.ueh.edu.vn/sustainability-report-ueh/ 

2. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/hunger/ 

Additional Information:

UEH Green Campus - Green Monday Series is a communication activity series under the UEH Green Campus Project, posted every Monday to kick off a new week with positive energy and encourage a green lifestyle by providing knowledge, updating news, and sharing inspiring stories about environmental protection and sustainable development.

News and photos: UEH Green Campus Project