Conceptualizing Multi-Level Legal Systems to Address Global Food Security: The Hard Law-Soft Law Interface of International Law and Corporate Social Responsibility

Abstract

This Article argues that the Zero Hunger Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) has been threatened by a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and climate change. Given that global food security is a well-recognized and fundamental human right worthy of protection, this Article examines the existing legal regimes—from the international, through the regional and national to organizational levels. Recognizing the critical role of commercial activities and enterprises in global food security, this Article argues that there is a need for direct, purposeful engagement by companies of all sizes, from multinational corporations ("MNCs") to small and midsize enterprises (“SMEs”) to address global food security. This Article demonstrates that it can be done as a form of corporate social responsibility (“CSR”), a global policy with national and organizational implementations. It then examines India and Indonesia as two jurisdictions where CSR laws have been enacted to address the specific needs of those societies and especially those members of society without sufficient resources to address their own needs. After a brief review of the legislation, a range of potential reforms are developed which would support a return to the zero hunger trajectory.