ZERO HUNGER
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL
2 ZERO HUNGER
Hunger highlights disparities in social welfare and underscores the persistence of economic inequality. Unequal access to food complicates global solutions and hinders sustainable development. Hunger also affects a nation's most valuable asset its human resources and therefore requires collective global action, innovative policies and local initiativesaimed at achieving equitable food distribution and long-term food security.
Food waste in university environments represents a growing challenge where overproduction, uneaten portions and inefficient management result in significant losses. This issue directly relates to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which focuses on ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture.
At Samarkand State University of Veterinary Medicine, Livestock and Biotechnology (SSUV), we recognize our responsibility to address this problem as part of our sustainability and environmental stewardship goals. The university has initiated several programs aimed at:
- Optimizing meal planning and portion control in student cafeterias;
- Tracking and analyzing food waste to identify and reduce major sources of loss;
- Implementing food recovery and donation programs to redistribute excess food;
- Encouraging composting and recycling practices to convert unavoidable waste into useful resources for campus gardens and research purposes.
Through these actions, University is creating a data-driven, sustainable food system within its campus, reducing waste while promoting environmental awareness and responsible consumption among students and staff.
At SSUV, addressing student hunger is one of our primary commitments aligned with Zero Hunger. We understand that food insecurity can significantly impact students academic performance, physical health and mental well-being.
To tackle this, the university:
- Provides balanced and affordable dining options for all students;
- Regularly monitors food quality, accessibility and hygiene standards in campus facilities;
- Develops awareness campaigns to promote mindful consumption and
- Offers targeted assistance programs for students facing financial difficulties or food insecurity.
These initiatives not only help ensure every student’s right to nutritious food but also strengthen the university’s role in creating a socially inclusive and sustainable campus environment.
SSUV actively contributes to the achievement of Zero Hunger at the national and regional levels. Recognizing that food insecurity still poses a challenge across Uzbekistan, the university integrates education, research and innovation to support sustainable agriculture, veterinary medicine and food production systems.
Our research and academic programs focus on:
- Enhancing livestock productivity through advanced veterinary care and breeding practices;
- Preventing zoonotic diseases, ensuring both animal and human health;
- Promoting sustainable agricultural technologies to improve food quality and availability;
- Collaborating with national and international partners to develop evidence-based food security policies.
Through these scientific and educational efforts, SSUV is playing a vital role in building a resilient and sustainable food system, contributing to the well-being of both people and the planet.