The International Student Challenge to Achieve Zero Hunger calls on undergraduate and graduate students to generate projects that will make a meaningful impact on global hunger and nutrition problems. This challenge is organized by a consortium of universities as part of the University Global Coalition (UGC) Decade of Action Initiative.

The challenge will involve students from different geographical locations. Students will be placed in teams that will develop novel ways to achieve Zero Hunger, which is Sustainable Development Goal 2 in the 2030 Agenda.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.

According to the United Nations, “In 2020, between 720 and 811 million persons worldwide were suffering from hunger, as many as 161 million more than in 2019. Also in 2020, over 30 per cent – a staggering 2.4 billion people – were moderately or severely food-insecure, lacking regular access to adequate food. This represents an increase of almost 320 million people in the course of just one year.”

SDG2 Zero Hunger calls upon the world to END HUNGER, ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND IMPROVED NUTRITION AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE 

You can be part of finding the solutions to this urgent challenge.

As part of the University Global Coalition (UGC), a global platform of universities and other higher education organizations committed to working together in support of the SDGs, a consortium of universities is collaborating on SDG2. The participating universities – UC Davis, EARTH University, McGill University, Newcastle University, and University of São Paulo – are pleased to offer an opportunity for students to participate in a unique student challenge. This opportunity is open to undergraduate and graduate level students at any university, from any major/discipline.

Register your interest by filling out this form.

Based on the information submitted, students will be placed in teams with students from other participating universities.  Students will work on the challenge from October 2022-March 2023. Each team will present a final video. Students will have the opportunity to present their projects to an international audience during SDG Action and Awareness Week.

Additional questions? Contact Jolynn M. Shoemaker at jmshoemaker@ucdavis.edu