Latest news with #SDG2
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Why private sector involvement is crucial for achieving SDG 2 & SDG 4
After having spent over a decade working to bridge the gap between hunger and education, one thing has become clear--while public policy lays the foundation, sustainable change is only possible when society, comprising corporates, non-profits and citizens embrace collective ownership of development agendas. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework to plan, measure and monitor progress towards creating a sustainable world. India has made considerable progress towards achieving two critical UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 2 - Zero Hunger and SDG 4 - Quality Education, with government programmes like PM POSHAN and Samagra Shiksha laying a strong foundation. However, in a country as vast and diverse as ours, the scale and complexity of challenges demand more than government support; they call for a united, multi-sectoral response. Over the years, it has become quite evident that a well-nourished child is far more likely to attend school, stay focused in class and achieve better learning outcomes. Nutrition is not just a health metric, it is the cornerstone of educational equity. When we feed a child, we don't just address hunger; we enable their right to learn, grow and thrive. Thus, any conversation about child nutrition and education must move beyond government responsibility. Reimagining schools not just as centres of learning but as effective platforms for child welfare can help unlock the full potential of school-based nutrition and create space for deeper multisector collaboration, particularly in advancing SDG 2 and SDG 4. While the government continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the mid-day meal programme, there is considerable scope to engage private players in complementary interventions, such as school breakfast programmes. A well-designed breakfast initiative can address early morning hunger, improve attendance, sharpen concentration and significantly enhance learning outcomes, thereby amplifying the overall impact of school feeding efforts. True transformation lies in multi-sectoral collaboration, where the private sector takes a larger role, going beyond being just a donor and becoming a co-creator of solutions. Even the most well-conceived welfare programmes can benefit from support going beyond government funding as far as scale, innovation and sustainability are concerned. We have witnessed first-hand how corporate partnerships, based on shared values and long-term commitment to a cause, can enhance programme efficiency, scalability and resilience. For the private sector, it is an opportunity to contribute; not merely as a funder, but as a strategic partner in the crucial task of nation-building. The evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India, especially post the Companies Act 2013, has opened doors to deeper engagement. According to a Give Grants report, annual CSR spending has grown three times over the last decade. To maximise the impact of this spending, there is a need to go beyond compliance and foster strategic alignment with global and national development goals. A successful collaboration pairs corporate (innovation) with non-profit (implementation) and government (scale). While governments set the agenda, non-profits can bring community insight and corporations can contribute resources and expertise, thus helping maximise the impact of welfare programmes. True progress requires sustained impact over the course of time, and to ensure sustained impact, we can resort to local contextualisation and data-driven accountability. Measurable indicators, such as school attendance and learning outcomes, can help ensure optimal utilisation and continuous improvement of resources. Furthermore, fostering ecosystems of shared responsibility, such as co-funding models, joint impact assessments and platforms for learning exchange, do not just multiply impact but also build resilience necessary to mitigate disruptions caused due to unforeseen situations such as a natural disaster or as we witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a nation, we have both the ambition and infrastructure to achieve the UN SDGs. Our progress so far is a testament to the strength of our development policies. However, to unlock the full potential of these initiatives and to reach every child who needs support, we must embrace the idea of collective responsibility. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to a brighter, more equitable India. In the end, feeding a child and educating a child are not just acts of service—they are investments in our shared future. This article is authored by Dhananjay Ganjoo, chief resource mobilisation and marketing officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
International Tea Day 2025: Know the date, history, theme and significance
Tea, produced from the Camellia sinensis plant, is the world's most popular drink after water. While the precise location of the tea plant's growth is uncertain, it is generally believed that tea originated in northeast India, north Myanmar, and southwest China, according to UN. The General Assembly decided to designate May 21 as International Tea Day, reiterating the Intergovernmental Group on Tea's call to focus more on increasing demand, particularly in tea-producing countries. This year, it will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the theme, Tea for Better Lives, highlighting tea's contribution to livelihoods, sustainability, and health. Tea cultivation and processing enable the alleviation of extreme poverty (SDG 1), combat hunger (SDG 2), empower women (SDG 5), and ensure the long-term use of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15). 🍵 Tea is more than a drink. It's a culture, a way of life. In the tea sector, women play a vital role, which should be acknowledged. On #InternationalTeaDay, let's explore, inspire and inform so that new opportunities for women-owned businesses can be developed. — Food and Agriculture Organization (@FAO) May 19, 2025 International Tea Day aims to promote and strengthen collective measures to execute activities that support the sustainable production and consumption of tea. This day provides an opportunity to honour tea's cultural heritage, health advantages, and economic significance while striving to ensure its production is sustainable 'from field to cup' to ensure it benefits people, cultures, and the environment for generations.
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
IFAD Issues $150 Million Bond to Bank Al-Maghrib to Fund Food Security Projects
Rabat – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Bank Al-Maghrib, Morocco's central bank, have renewed their partnership to help improve food security and support rural communities around the world. As part of this collaboration, IFAD issued a $150 million sustainable bond with a 10-year term, purchased by Bank Al-Maghrib. This is the second time the bank has invested in IFAD's bond program. The first partnership was in July 2024, when the bank invested €100 million to support IFAD's development efforts for 2025. 'Having the Bank Al Maghrib as a repeat investor makes us particularly proud,' said Natalia Toschi, Head of Funding at IFAD, in a press statement. 'It shows the value of long-term relationships for IFAD's global mission that is more than ever important to build a better and more stable world,' she added. The money raised will go towards IFAD's work to support rural communities by helping small-scale farmers improve their incomes, food security, and resilience. These investments will also support projects that promote sustainable development and fight poverty and hunger. Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President of IFAD's Country Operations Department, recalled the strong ties between Morocco and the organization: 'This renewed collaboration builds on IFAD's longstanding relationship with Morocco, a cornerstone of its portfolio for over four decades.' Brown added that Morocco stands out for the scale of its engagement and 'visionary leadership' in rural development, climate resilience, and agricultural transformation. Since 1979, IFAD and Morocco have invested more than $1.7 billion in 16 projects across the country, reaching over 700,000 rural households. The current projects, worth $250 million, are aligned with Morocco's 'Génération Green 2020–2030' strategy and focus on supporting women and young people in mountain regions, said IFAD in a statement. These initiatives are needed more than ever, as IFAD notes that 3 billion people live in rural areas in developing countries worldwide. Many of them are small-scale farmers who produce one-third of the world's food, yet still face poverty and hunger. Around 730 million people today suffer from hunger, nearly 1 in every 11 people. IFAD believes that investing in rural areas is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Tags: BAMeconomyfood security
Identity
06-05-2025
- Health
- Identity
The Egyptian Food Bank Wins the 2025 Humanthropy Award for Leadership in Advancing Sustainable Development Goal 2 at DIHAD Closing Ceremony
Recognizing its leadership in SDG 2 impact, the Egyptian Food Bank has been awarded the 2025 Humanthropy Award for its role in fighting hunger and addressing food insecurity. The award recognizes the impactful programs and initiatives of the Egyptian Food Bank that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through the establishment of an integrated system to combat hunger and ensure food security. The Egyptian Food Bank's approach includes the design of scientifically grounded, impact-assessed nutritional development programs tailored to the most vulnerable segments of society. It also focuses on empowering capable individuals both socially and economically, raising awareness around healthy nutrition, and promoting a culture of volunteerism and social solidarity. Furthermore, the Egyptian Food Bank continues to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions to guarantee food security and foster social justice, marking it as a pioneering model in development and humanitarian work across the region.
