The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Guidance Document for Companies

The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge is a non-binding initiative inviting companies to align their investments with science-based evidence to combat hunger. Companies must commit financial resources to at least one of ten high-impact intervention areas and at least one priority country or region. The pledge allows for four types of financial contributions: core business investments, subsidized contributions, cash, and in-kind contributions. Implementation requires partnering with governments or designated international organizations, and progress is monitored via the World Benchmarking Alliance's Food and Agriculture Benchmark.

• Companies signing the pledge must make a financial commitment in at least one of ten high-impact intervention areas and at least one priority country or region, while naming partners such as governments, civil society organizations, or specific implementing organizations.
• Financial commitments are categorized into four types: core business investments (direct operational spending), subsidized contributions (discounted goods/services or price premiums for smallholders), cash contributions (charitable or ESG activities), and in-kind contributions (employee time, IP rights, or financial services).
• The pledge is a non-binding statement of intent and does not create legally enforceable obligations; however, it requires companies to comply with host state laws and international principles, including the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the UN Global Compact.
• Investments must be future spending, although past commitments that have not yet been spent can be included.
• Reporting and accountability requirements differ by investment size: pledges over USD 1 million require annual progress reports on implementation and impact, while those under USD 1 million are reported via stories and case studies.
• The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) is responsible for monitoring progress using ten indicators from the Food and Agriculture Benchmark (FAB) that map to the pledge's investment areas, such as soil health, water withdrawal, and gender equality.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (n.d.). The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Guidance Document for Companies. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-12/faq-zero-hunger-pledge-en.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Guidance Document for Companies. n.d. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-12/faq-zero-hunger-pledge-en.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Guidance Document for Companies |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-12/faq-zero-hunger-pledge-en.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopmentndzero, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) \& Guidance Document for Companies}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-12/faq-zero-hunger-pledge-en.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }