How the dairy sector supports the UN sustainable development goals

The UN has established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at achieving a better and more sustainable future for the planet and its people. Currently, there are 7.6 billion people on Earth, and the UN projects that by 2050, the population will grow to  9.8 billion, with most of the growth occurring in developing countries. With such a large global population, we face significant challenges that the UN's SDGs are designed to address.

The dairy industry assumes responsibility

The declaration states that the dairy industry plays a critical role in supplying the world  with healthy and safe food. The declaration emphasises the social and economic significance of the dairy sector – particularly in the developing world. Approximately 80 million women are employed in milk production, and the industry supports 240 million jobs globally. Altogether, this means the livelihoods of around 1 billion people depend on the global dairy industry.

The declaration states that the dairy industry helps supply the world's population with healthy and safe food. The declaration emphasizes the dairy sector's social and economic importance – especially in the third world. Here are about 80m women employed in milk production and the industry forms the basis of 240m jobs worldwide. This means around 1bn people's livelihoods are supported by the global dairy industry.

By signing the Rotterdam Declaration, FAO recognises that the dairy sector has a legitimate place in a sustainable future.

Jørgen Hald, director of the Danish Dairy Board, has also signed the Rotterdam Declaration on behalf of the Danish dairies. As a result, Danish dairies contribute to the global efforts for sustainable development. The dairy industry's efforts apply to most of the UN's SDGs. In the following, we examine some of the goals where the dairy sector plays a significant role.

Goal 1: No Poverty

Milk and dairy products contribute to ending poverty and hunger. Globally, there are about 120 million dairy cattle farms, most of which are small and located in developing countries. Many of these small, family-run farms own just two or three cows, which provide a stable source of income. The cows produce milk daily, some of which is sold to the nearby dairies. The income from the milk sales helps feed rural populations in developing countries.

Up and down the global supply chain - from the care of the cow to the finished products on the supermarket's shelves - the dairy industry ensures employment for millions. As mentioned above, around 240 million people worldwide are employed in the dairy sector, making it an important contributor to the fight against global poverty.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

In developing countries, many farming families can keep hunger at bay with just a few cows. The cows produce a daily supply of milk, which sustains the family as a regular food source. Milk is a nutritious food that provides satiety and contains many nutrients important for overall nutrition. For many families in the developing world, having one or two cows can make a significant difference in preventing hunger.

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Milk and dairy products promote health globally. They contain essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins and minerals that both children and adults alike need. These nutrients play a key role in children's growth and in the development and maintenance of vital functions of the body, such as bones, muscles, and the brain.

Dairy products also help prevent a number of the various lifestyle-related diseases, particularly in industrialised countries. Numerous scientific studies have shown that dairy products can help prevent osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, dairy products not only offer immediate health benefits but also  contribute to long-term well-being, and can be an important part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Goal 5: Gender Equality

In developing countries, milk production supports gender equality and women's independence. Typically, women are responsible for caring for the family's cows and managing milk production in rural areas. The women ensure that the cows are watered, fed and milked, and they also sell excess milk to the local market or dairy. In this way, the women earn an income that enables them to buy daily necessities for their families.

In a traditionally male-dominated world, women gain both social and economical autonomy through their jobs as dairy farmers. Overall, this contributes to women's empowerment and advances gender equality.