President's Panel on Zero Hunger

President's Panel on Zero Hunger: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Sustainable Development

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Acadia University is pleased to present the President's Panel on Zero Hunger: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Sustainable Development. This event is a showcase of Acadia research, teaching, and service from the Faculties of Arts, Professional Studies, and Pure and Applied Science with a focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #2 Zero Hunger.

Date: Monday November 27th 2023
Time: 6:30 PM Welcome Reception & Refreshments; 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Presentations & Panel Discussion
Location: K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Auditorium

Moderator: Dr. Jeff Hennessy (he/him), Acadia University President and Vice-Chancellor

Dr. Jeff Hennessy ('99) is Acadia's 17th President and Vice-Chancellor and a distinguished alumnus of Acadia. Dr. Hennessy holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Toronto, a Master of Arts from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelor of Music from Acadia University, and a Bachelor of Science from Trent University. An accomplished leader and musician with a deep-rooted connection to our campus, Dr. Hennessy was the Director of the School of Music from 2007-2013.

Full Bio

Featured Speakers

Faculty of Arts

Lesley Frank

Dr. Lesley Frank (she/her)
Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Food, Health, and Social Justice
Director of the Fed Family Lab
Professor, Department of Sociology
Acadia University

Presentation Title: Localizing the SDGs through families’ stories of infant food insecurity

Short Abstract: Persistent food affordability challenges and recent supply chain shocks are moving us further away from the 2030 target of Zero Hunger for our youngest people. Dr. Frank will share research highlights from the Fed Family Lab that shows that infants, even in the richest nations, are at heightened risk of hunger. She will focus on the importance of lived realities for informing what is necessary to achieve the 2030 Agenda for all.

Full Bio and Abstract (PDF)

Faculty of Pure & Applied Science

Dr. Zoë Migicovsky (she/her)
Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Agri-Food and Sustainable Agriculture
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
Acadia University

Presentation Title: Perennial fruit crops as a case study for crop wild relative conservation, use, and public engagement

Short Abstract: We rely on diversity in both cultivated plants and their wild relatives as the foundation of crop improvement. Dr. Migicovsky will explore the role of crop wild relative conservation for a future with a secure and sustainable food supply.

Full Bio & Abstract (PDF)

Faculty Of Professional Studies

Chaiti Seth, MCD (she/her)
Lecturer, Department of Community Development
Acadia University

Presentation Title: Moving from abundance: redistribution, dignified access, and culture as responses to hunger

Short Abstract: Chaiti’s talk will highlight local and global examples of community responses to hunger that are rooted in equitable access, sovereignty in food production and consumption, and building sustainable food cultures.

Full Bio & Abstract (PDF)

Facts and Figures

The global issue of hunger and food insecurity has shown an alarming increase since 2015.
In 2022, an estimated 45 million children under the age of 5 suffered from wasting, 148 million had stunted growth and 37 million were overweight.
By 2022, approximately 735 million people – or 9.2% of the world’s population – found themselves in a state of chronic hunger.
To achieve zero hunger by 2030, urgent coordinated action and policy solutions are imperative.

To learn more visit un.org

SDG#2 Targets

2.1 End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food.
2.2 End all forms of malnutrition.
2.3 Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers.
2.4 Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2.5 Maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants, domesticated animals and their related wild species.
2A Increase investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services.
2B Correct and prevent trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets.
2C Adopt measures to ensure the proper functioning of food commodity markets and their derivatives.

To learn more visit un.org

Localizing the SDGs

Nova Scotia received a failing grade for food insecurity in the recent Poverty Report Card by Food Banks Canada. In fact all the Maritime provinces received an F for food insecurity rates. Nova Scotia is in need of significant policy action to address this issue.