Advancing Sustainable and Inclusive Change through Youth Leadership in SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Reginald's contributions to the SDGs. Take a quick read below;

As a youth leader driven by a passion for sustainability and equity, my work has centered on advancing solutions within Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. My efforts focus on combating malnutrition, promoting food security, and building community resilience—particularly in vulnerable populations across northern Nigeria.

My commitment to this cause stems from my academic background in microbiology and my professional experience in brand and sustainability management, which have equipped me with the knowledge and tools to drive grassroots transformation. Through direct action, advocacy, and long-term planning, I have contributed—and continue to plan to contribute—to creating sustainable and inclusive change.

Understanding the Challenge

Growing up in Nigeria, I was acutely aware of the realities of food insecurity. In many northern regions, poverty, conflict, and climate-related challenges have exacerbated malnutrition, especially among women and children. Protein deficiency, in particular, remains a hidden crisis, contributing to stunted growth, poor health, and limited educational outcomes. This realization galvanized me to take action, not only out of empathy, but out of a deep-seated belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Mobilizing Community Action

My first major contribution as a youth leader was spearheading a community-led campaign to alleviate protein deficiency in underserved areas of northern Nigeria. I collaborated with local farmers, nutritionists, and NGOs to design a culturally sensitive, cost-effective program that promoted the use of locally available, protein-rich foods like soybeans, groundnuts, and legumes. We conducted cooking demonstrations, created simplified nutrition guides in local languages, and organized school outreach programs to educate both students and parents.

This campaign was successful in two key ways. First, it empowered families with knowledge to make better dietary choices using resources already within their reach. Second, it opened avenues for smallholder farmers—particularly women—to grow and market protein-rich crops, thereby boosting their income and improving local food systems. The initiative not only addressed malnutrition but also enhanced economic inclusion and gender equity.

Leveraging My Role in Corporate Sustainability

In my role as a brand and sustainability manager, I have been privileged to bridge the gap between corporate responsibility and community impact. I led a corporate social investment project that provided support to rural food cooperatives by offering training in sustainable agricultural practices, access to microgrants, and opportunities to scale their produce through strategic partnerships. By aligning business objectives with the SDGs, I was able to make a case for integrating hunger-alleviation efforts into the company’s broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.

Moreover, I championed initiatives to reduce food waste along the supply chain. This involved conducting audits to identify points of loss, advocating for the repurposing of surplus food to feed vulnerable groups, and creating awareness among employees and stakeholders. These actions demonstrated how youth leaders can act as catalysts for systemic change within institutions, aligning profit with purpose.

Planning for Scalable Impact

While I am proud of what has been achieved so far, I understand that sustainable and inclusive change requires scale, innovation, and long-term vision. My future plans as a youth leader are rooted in three pillars: education, innovation, and advocacy.

1. Education: I plan to establish a “Nutrition & Sustainability Lab” in partnership with local schools and universities, where young people can learn about food security, agricultural innovation, and climate-smart farming. The lab will serve as an incubator for ideas, equipping youth with practical skills while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

2. Innovation: I am currently exploring the potential of incorporating technology—such as mobile apps—to provide real-time agricultural advice, nutritional guidance, and market access to small-scale farmers. By leveraging digital tools, we can overcome information gaps and create more resilient food systems, even in remote areas.

3. Advocacy: At the national and international levels, I aim to amplify youth voices in policy dialogues around food systems and nutrition. I intend to participate in forums, write policy briefs, and collaborate with multilateral organizations to ensure that youth-led solutions are included in the design and implementation of sustainable development strategies.

Creating Inclusive Platforms

Inclusivity is a core value in all my work. I make deliberate efforts to ensure that the voices of women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities are heard and respected. This includes conducting needs assessments before launching any project, providing accessible training materials, and fostering leadership among those who are often excluded from decision-making spaces. Sustainable development must leave no one behind, and I believe youth leaders have a critical role to play in modeling inclusive practices.

Conclusion

My journey as a youth leader in the Zero Hunger space has taught me that change is possible when vision is matched with action. Whether by mobilizing communities, influencing corporate practices, or driving policy advocacy, I have seen how even small interventions can have ripple effects across generations. I am committed to continuing this work, not just as an individual, but as part of a global movement of young changemakers working to build a world where everyone has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to live a dignified life. The challenges are complex, but so are the solutions—and I believe youth leadership is the key to unlocking them.