The 2024 Goalkeepers Report by the Gates Foundation underscores the critical challenge of global malnutrition. As world leaders gather at UNGA next week to focus on accelerating progress towards the SDGs and addressing climate change, faith-based organizations have a unique opportunity and responsibility to contribute to these urgent discussions. The recent G20 Interfaith Forum in Brasilia reinforced this imperative, making it clear that the time for action is now.
Climate Change and Malnutrition: A Growing Threat
The Goalkeepers report highlights a stark reality: between 2024 and 2050, climate change is projected to cause stunting in an additional 40 million children, while 28 million more will face wasting. This underscores the urgency of our mission to combat hunger and malnutrition in an increasingly warming world.
Leveraging FBO Strengths in the Fight Against Malnutrition
FBOs play a crucial role in the effort to reduce human suffering and achieve the SDGs, particularly in three key areas:
- Community Reach: FBOs have deep roots in local communities, allowing for effective implementation of nutrition interventions at the grassroots level.
- Moral Imperative: As Bill Gates points out, there’s a need to frame this issue as a moral imperative. FBOs are uniquely positioned to make this case to their congregations and wider networks.
- Resource Mobilization: With global aid budgets shrinking, FBOs can play a crucial role in mobilizing resources and volunteers to support nutrition programs. A prime example of this is Church World Service’s CROP Hunger Walk, which has been bringing communities together to raise funds and awareness for hunger relief since the late 60s.
The Power of Partnership and Evidence-Based Approaches
Bill Gates emphasizes the need for a broad civil society movement to address this crisis. FBOs should seek partnerships with other organizations, governments, and the private sector to maximize their impact. For instance, World Vision International (WVI) has collaborated with various faith-based organizations and local communities to implement programs aimed at improving nutrition and food security worldwide. Their initiatives demonstrate how faith-based efforts can effectively address global challenges through local engagement.
Organizations like the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities (JLI) also play a crucial role in this context. JLI collaborates with FBOs to strengthen evidence-based programs at the nexus of religion and development, serving as a bridge between faith and secular societies. This collaboration is essential for enhancing the effectiveness and credibility of faith-based interventions in addressing global challenges like malnutrition and climate change.
A Call to Action
The 2024 Goalkeepers Report serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. Let’s renew our commitment to ending hunger and malnutrition by taking immediate action:
- Advocate for climate-resilient agriculture in our communities.
- Mobilize faith networks to support hunger and nutrition programs targeting the most vulnerable, following the example of initiatives like CWS’s CROP Hunger Walk.
- Collaborate with research institutions to measure and improve the impact of faith-based interventions.
Join the Conversation: Brews, Bites, and Banter – A Sustainability Sip & Share
For those attending the UNGA, Summit of the Future, or Climate Week in NYC this September, join our special podcast series: Brews, Bites, and Banter – A Sustainability Sip & Share, produced by Walk Talk Listen. This unique session offers an opportunity to share your experiences and personal reflections on global sustainability, especially concerning hunger and poverty.
We’ll be joined by distinguished guests at the forefront of faith-based efforts to address climate change and achieve the SDGs. Carrick Reddin from the World Resources Institute (WRI) will share insights on WRI’s Faith and Sustainability initiative. We’ll hear from Jonas Vejsager Nøddekær, Secretary General of DanChurchAid, and Araif Yussuf, Director of Programs at Islamic Relief USA, about their organizations’ efforts in mobilizing faith communities for climate action and sustainable development.
Additionally, we’ll be talking with representatives from companies like Chris Bolman from Brightest, a leader in sustainability and ESG reporting solutions. These conversations will highlight the importance of connecting diverse stakeholders, collaborating across sectors, and co-creating solutions to make our world better.
Event Details
- Location: CCUN, CWS Office, 9th Floor, 777 UN Plaza, NYC, NY
- Dates: Available sessions between September 20th and September 27th
- To participate: Contact Diana Muresan at [email protected]
Join us in this engaging conversation as we explore the real impact of this year’s key discussions on global sustainability. Your insights and experiences can help shape our collective efforts to combat malnutrition and create a more sustainable world.
Let’s come together, share ideas, and take concrete steps towards ending hunger and malnutrition. The time for action is now.
October 2024 update: thanks to all of you who dropped by to be interviewed for the podcast and shared your insights. You can listen to the 18 podcast episodes we were able to do at walktalklisten.podbean.com or via your favorite podcast platform.
Please check to previous blogs/news items via these links:
- Hope and Resilience: The Critical Role of Faith Communities in Reigniting the Momentum to End Hunger by Maurice A. Bloem
- Ending Hunger: Faith Communities Catalyzing Global Change by Maurice A. Bloem
In the beginning of the special podcast series: Brews, Bites, and Banter – A Sustainability Sip & Share, produced by Walk Talk Listen, the podcast guests will encounter three unique artifacts—beans, a pin, and a duckie—each designed to spark meaningful discussions about different facets of sustainability. Guests choose one that resonates with them to kickstart an engaging dialogue.