Читать книгу Hidden Hunger: Strategies to Improve Nutrition Quality - Группа авторов - Страница 7

In 2000, the international community made a commitment to cut by half the percentage of people who suffer from hunger by the year 2015. Despite the successful achievements in this context, related public health issues have become more significant. The number of people who do not have access to a balanced diet has increased. Such “hidden hunger” affects both rich and poor countries. Those affected by nutritional deficiencies often suffer lasting consequences to their health and well-being.

Indeed, the global fight against hunger has become significantly more complex. Such complexity necessitates research that is both connected and interdisciplinary. With the Hidden Hunger Congress, the University of Hohenheim aims to provide a platform for global interactions among all the stakeholders in this debate: the scientific community, political practitioners, government officials, the media, civil society organizations, or advocacy groups as well as other private and public sector actors.

The University of Hohenheim certainly is a very appropriate place for this debate. Its history is inextricably linked with the problem of hunger and nutrition. It was in the wake of the famines of the early 19th century, after all, that the first predecessor organization of the university was established. That was in 1818, two centuries ago. Ever since, issues such as nutrition and food security have been central topics of research here at Hohenheim. 200 years ago, these efforts had only a regional scope. Today, we are addressing hunger on a global scale.

A significant number of our research departments are dedicating their efforts to solving national and international problems of hunger and malnutrition. Our researchers are collaborating with partner institutions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America on this topic. To take just one example, we are currently promoting a German-Ethiopian graduate program supported by the German Academic Exchange Service. Our research centers focus on the causes and consequences of hidden hunger as well as strategies to address these issues.

Our upcoming 200th anniversary thus serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of hunger and nutrition as topics of research. It also affords us the opportunity to strengthen and promote our research in this field. What is more is that we look forward to hosting the 4th Hidden Hunger Congress in 2019, which will take place in our acclaimed new Otto Rettenmaier Audimax. The Hidden Hunger Congress as well as this publication stood for our commitment to contribute to the goal of food security.

Stephan Dabbert, Stuttgart