Role of the Food Supply Chain Stakeholders in Achieving UN SDGs

Ilija Djekic,Pere Fullana-I-Palmer,Anet Režek Jambrak,Laura Batlle-Bayer,Alba Bala

doi:10.3390/su13169095

Ilija Djekic, Pere Fullana-I-Palmer + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169095

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Aug 13, 2021
Citations: 29	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Belgrade, University of Zagreb

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of main food supply chain stakeholders and their role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As this supply chain is global, playing a significant role in feeding the world, a deeper analysis of 17 SDGs, their targets and indicators reveals numerous direct and indirect connections with various SDGs. To perform such an overview, the authors investigated the link between the main stakeholders of the chain (farmers, food processors, food traders and consumers) with UN SDGs. In parallel, the authors explored the roles of policymakers, inspection services, certification bodies and academia in supporting these SDGs. In spite of numerous papers, calculations and estimations, discussion and media coverage, the authors believe that only the tip of the iceberg has been revealed. Based on this overview, the authors emphasize SDG 2—Zero Hunger and SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production as the most dominant for the food supply chain. In parallel, the achievement of SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals will enable deeper intertwining of the goals and all stakeholders in the food supply chain continuum. Additional efforts are needed to pave the way for fulfilling the targets of the UN SDGs and exceeding expectations of all stakeholders.

Highlights

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development to end poverty and achieve sustainability worldwide. This 15-year plan consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a list of 169 SDG Targets, and progress towards these Targets are to be tracked by 232 unique Indicators [1]
In order to perform an overview on connecting UN SDGs and the key stakeholders of the food systems, at first glance, it was obvious that a literature review with various combinations of different key words in various scientific databases will raise different results
As this topic is heterogeneously dispersed through various scientific publications, the authors focused attention of this overview on specific UN SDGs to enlighten the connection between the goals and links in the food supply chain

Summary

Introduction

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development to end poverty and achieve sustainability worldwide. This 15-year plan consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a list of 169 SDG Targets, and progress towards these Targets are to be tracked by 232 unique Indicators [1]. In September 2021, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres will convene the Food Systems Summit as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Summit will launch bold new actions to deliver progress on all 17 SDGs, each of which relies, to some degree, on healthier, more sustainable and equitable food systems [3]

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