WHAT IS SDG GOAL?
SDG stands for Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. These goals aim to create a better and more sustainable future for everyone by 2030. They focus on important global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental protection, peace, and justice
🌍 820 million people in the world still suffer from hunger.
🍽️ Malnutrition affects children's growth and learning.
💰 Hunger and poor nutrition slow down economic growth and development.
🥦 Sustainable farming helps protect the environment and feed future generations.
WHAT IS ZERO HUNGER?
Zero Hunger is Goal 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.
✔ End Hunger – Ensure that everyone has access to enough nutritious food.
✔ Improve Nutrition – Promote healthy diets to reduce malnutrition and related diseases.
✔ Support Sustainable Agriculture – Help farmers grow food in ways that protect the environment.
✔ Increase Food Production – Use better farming methods to produce more food with fewer resources.
✔ Ensure Fair Food Distribution – Reduce food waste and make sure food reaches those who need it.
✅ Reduce food waste – Eat wisely and avoid throwing away food.
✅ Support local farmers – Buy fresh, local produce.
✅ Donate food – Help those in need through charities and food banks.
✅ Raise awareness – Educate others about hunger and sustainable food choices.
Individual Reflection Journal: SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
Participating in the SDG Exhibition was a meaningful and eye-opening experience. It allowed me to not only deepen my understanding of SDG 2: Zero Hunger but also to share knowledge with visitors about the importance of achieving global food security. Preparing for the exhibition involved extensive research on food scarcity, malnutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Creating engaging materials, such as posters, infographics, and interactive activities, helped in making the information more accessible and impactful. The exhibition also provided a platform to develop communication and presentation skills while engaging with an audience.
The responses from visitors to our booth were varied. Some visitors were already aware of Zero Hunger and shared their insights on food waste and sustainable consumption. Others were surprised by the statistics and the severity of global hunger, particularly its impact on children and developing nations. Many visitors appreciated the interactive activities and visual aids, which helped them understand complex issues in a simple and engaging way. A few even expressed their interest in contributing to solutions, such as reducing food waste and supporting local farmers.
From my interactions, I realized that while many visitors had a general idea of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), only a few had in-depth knowledge about SDG 2. Some were aware of food insecurity issues at the national level but did not fully grasp its global impact. This highlighted the need for more awareness programs and discussions about SDGs, especially in educational settings.
As a future educator, I believe literature can be a powerful tool to educate students about SDGs. Stories, poems, and narratives about hunger, sustainability, and ethical consumption can make students more empathetic and aware of real-world issues. Literature allows for deeper discussions on the causes and consequences of hunger and inspires students to think critically about solutions. Incorporating SDG themes into reading materials, debates, and creative writing can engage students in meaningful conversations about social responsibility.
To better prepare pre-service teachers in the B.ED TESL program to teach SDGs, the curriculum should integrate SDG-related content into language and literature courses. Workshops and hands-on activities on lesson planning, project-based learning, and community engagement can equip future educators with the skills to incorporate SDGs into their teaching. Additionally, collaboration with organizations working on hunger and sustainability can provide real-world insights that enhance teaching methods. Training on interactive and digital tools can also help in designing engaging lessons that promote SDG awareness among students.
Overall, the SDG Exhibition was a valuable learning experience that reinforced the importance of raising awareness about Zero Hunger. As future educators, we have a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and inspiring students to contribute to a better world.
As of February 2025, several countries continue to face severe hunger crises, primarily due to conflict, economic instability, and climate-related challenges. Notable countries experiencing alarming levels of hunger include:
Somalia: With a Global Hunger Index (GHI) score of 44.1, Somalia remains one of the most affected by hunger and malnutrition.
Yemen: Prolonged conflict has led to widespread food insecurity, placing Yemen among the countries with the highest hunger levels.
Chad: Facing significant food security challenges, Chad is also listed among the countries with alarming hunger levels.
South Sudan: High food prices, economic challenges, and ongoing conflict are expected to worsen food security in South Sudan in 2025.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK): Chronic food insecurity and childhood malnutrition are widespread, with over 53% of the population undernourished.
Additionally, regions such as Western Asia, the Caribbean, and most African subregions have seen increases in hunger from 2022 to 2023. If current trends continue, about 582 million people worldwide could face hunger by 2030
SDG EXHIBITION ON KOPSAS DAY
Before the exhibition begins, we are honored to welcome our special guest for the day, Associate Professor Dr. Subarna Sivapalan FRSA, who will be delivering a speech on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an expert in this field, she provided us with an engaging and insightful session, where we gained a deeper understanding of the SDGs and their importance.
Dr. Subarna joined the School of Education as Head and Associate Professor in May 2022, bringing with her 20 years of experience in the Malaysian higher education sector. She began her career as a lecturer in TESOL and, before joining the University of Nottingham, was part of Malaysia's leading STEM-focused private university, where she taught ESP, sustainability education, and research methodology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the National Education for Sustainable Development Association of Selangor.
Sustainability and Higher Education
Environmental Education / Climate Change Education
Education for Sustainable Development
Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Technology-Enhanced Learning
STEM & Engineering Education for Sustainable Development
Community Education for Sustainability
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, especially in Indigenous Communities
Professor Dr. Subarna Sivapalan visited all the booths we created and asked questions about the SDG each booth focused on. She also visited our booth and truly appreciated our work. We had the opportunity to ask her some questions as well. It was a great experience meeting her in person.