Analysis of the Representation of the Sustainable Development Goals in French Children's Literature (Goal 2: Zero Hunger)

Abstract

This research aims to study the presentation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in two French children's literature works related to Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) selected by the United Nations SDG Book Club: La faim dans le monde expliquée à mon fils (1999) and Une seule Terre pour nourrir les hommes (2009). This documentary research examines how these two literary works present the indicators of SDG 2 and whether they connect to other Goals, the five pillars, and the three ethical principles of sustainable development.

The findings reveal that both children's literature works effectively present the majority of SDG 2's (Zero Hunger) indicators and link them to Goals 1, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17. Their content reflects the pillars of economy, society, environment, and peace, as well as the three ethical principles, by communicating three key themes: 1) the planet's limited resources and the environmental impact of human behavior; 2) the necessity for developed countries to assist developing and least developed countries; and 3) the importance of behavioral change at all levels to achieve sustainable food security. However, given that both books were published before the official adoption of the SDGs, the research highlights their limitations in presenting a complete overview of the SDGs, specifically their adherence to a “nation-state” framework over the promotion of a “global citizen” identity.