Interconnectedness of the Goals: Goal 2 & Goal 4
Updated: Nov 4, 2018
Image credit: World Bank Photo Collection
One of the most exciting aspects of the Global Goals is their interconnectedness. Previously, the multiple areas of development have been treated rather separately within their own categories. Now, however, we have a way to explore how social, environmental and economic development are all related to one another. This year, we are exploring how each goal and their associated targets need to see the achievement of each other in order to be fulfilled as a whole.
Goal 2: Zero Hunger and Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 2 aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, and Goal 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
In order to maximise performance and cognitive function in the classroom, it is important that all students, both children and adults, eat a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet. Food security and nutritional education is vital to improving our progress towards improving the diets of students.
According to Science Daily, there is increasing evidence that a mother’s diet during pregnancy affects her child’s cognitive functioning during his or her school years. Nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating women is mentioned in Target 2.2.
It is also necessary for school to educate children and adults about what a well-balanced diet looks like in order to provide them with the best chance of health and well-being. While this idea is threaded throughout the targets of Goal 4, a special mention needs to be made in regards to Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles […]. The concept of sustainable lifestyles includes the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
To find out more about these two goals and their interrelatedness, you can read more by visiting #Goal2: #ZeroHunger and #Goal4: #QualityEducation.
This article was originally published on the Global Goals Australia Campaign website.