Nutritional Sciences as Catalysts for Sustainable Development Goals in the Global South

Abstract

Nutritional sciences play a pivotal yet frequently underestimated role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly within the socio-economic and environmental contexts of the Global South. Despite global commitments to end hunger and improve health, malnutrition in all its forms—undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight, and diet-related non-communicable diseases—continues to impede sustainable development. This conference paper adopts a conceptual and policy-oriented approach to examine how nutritional sciences function as catalytic drivers for achieving the SDGs, especially Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). Drawing on peer-reviewed literature from the past decade, the paper situates nutrition at the intersection of food systems, public health, social equity, and environmental sustainability, with particular attention to the lived realities of the Global South. Emphasis is placed on indigenous food systems, nutrition transitions, and context-sensitive policy frameworks. The paper concludes by proposing evidence-informed strategies that integrate nutritional sciences into national development agendas through multisectoral collaboration and culturally grounded action. The analysis affirms that sustainable development goals are unlikely to be realized without placing human nutrition—both as scientific knowledge and social practice—at the center of development planning.Keywords: Hegemonic Masculinity, Post-Truth, Patriarchy, Gender Inequality, Resistance, Autobiographical Narratives .