The first sustainable development goal aims at ending poverty in all its forms and erasing hunger, given that the majority of the world’s population suffers from these serious issues. So do we understand the significance of the disaster that is taking the lives of more than half the world’s population, one that is unable to afford its essential needs because of poverty? But do we realize the deterioration of the problems resulting from poverty such as hunger, and its effect on humanity’s development?
“Poverty and Hunger are Increasing. They reverse decades of progress and raise already high levels of inequality within and between countries”
– Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres [1]
The inflation of poverty and hunger problems is reflected directly on developing countries, in particular, and the international community in general. It is also considered a reason for disturbing the Sustainable Development process and community protection programs. Therefore, local and international efforts hurry to develop their plans to end poverty, erase hunger, and eliminate its effects.
This goal aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. As poverty is not only represented by the lack of material income and simple livelihood resources but also appears in hunger and malnutrition. In addition to the denial of educational opportunities and access to basic services. The objectives of Ending Poverty Goal are centered on the following:
“Conflict and civil strife will not last long if the main motivator, which is poverty, is eliminated.”
– President of the United Nations General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande. [1]
It is the second goal of the Sustainable Development Goals. The manifestations of the problem of hunger and its negative effects vary; Such as malnutrition and low levels of physical and psychological health. This is what prompted us to think about the mechanisms of food development, sharing, and consumption.
The goal of zero hunger includes:
More than 700 million people still live in extreme poverty. They also struggle to meet the most basic needs, including but not limited to health, education, and access to water and sanitation. [4]
In addition, poverty extends to include broad dimensions such as unemployment, homelessness, and social exclusion, which leads to weak societal cohesion. Poverty results in physical and psychological health impairment. Also, it stands in the way of achieving justice and providing basic rights for all, causing a current of political tensions and social conflicts due to the lack of participation in decision-making. Ending poverty will make living in safe countries easier, and help achieve the rest of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Recently, the rate of hungry people has increased to one in nine, according to a World Health Organization report. [5]
The wars and conflicts that the region witnessed during the past period played a role in exacerbating this problem. This is due to the acceleration of displacement movements in search of safety, which led to a wave of scarcity of resources and the difficulty of securing a living. Agricultural production damage, resulting from climate change, also contributes to the lack of food availability. This coincided with the rise in food prices and the poor ability of the underprivileged to obtain them well. With regard to the health aspect, the development of policies and procedures for erasing hunger is an effective step. It helps to eliminate the manifestations of malnutrition, obesity, and diseases associated with malnutrition.
Organizations and institutions are working on activating strategies to end poverty and eradicate hunger. This is done through its plans, events, and activities that include people with needs and seek to meet them.
Government systems in Syria are currently helping to secure an environment that generates productive employment and creates job opportunities for the poor and the marginalized. It also seeks to develop financial strategies and policies that stimulate growth, in favor of the poor, and reduce the problems arising from poverty.
The youth’s active role in decision-making has an important influence in developing these policies, it encourages creating innovative solutions and the influential youth energies in society. In addition to the role of science and technology in education, training, and experiments in creating job opportunities and enhancing capabilities to address the crises of the agricultural and productive reality. Thus, many of the negatives can be avoided by focusing on ending poverty and erasing hunger as a global priority.
ٍThe social responsibility of every individual in society has the greatest role in achieving the slogan: “So that no one is left behind.” Represented by Syria in its plans for Sustainable Development at the United Nations summit in 2020.
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References:
[1] UN
[2] UN- Hunger
[3] UN- Poverty
[4] UN- Sustainable Development
[5] WHO