BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

The 21st century is an era of accelerated economic development. When we enjoy the benefits of economic advancement; we are also suffering from the increasing incidences of the natural calamities, such as cyclone, tsunami, diseases, etc. However, it is embarrassing that these problems are increasingly grim when we are weighed down the knots. Hence, the purpose for organizing this forum is to seek outlet to meet the challenges of the future agricultural development.

First, the issue of food security will become a more challenging problem. Up to 2030, when the world population reaches its pinnacle, there will be mass consumption for food. Moreover, the reducing of arable land and soil fertility are the problems confronted by all nations. Food security is undoubtedly a forthcoming issue in the world, especially for the poverty-stricken countries. To solve this problem, the only way is to improve technology heavily relying on agricultural S & T. The technology development process of these days requires extensive cooperation at global and regional level.

Second, the safety and security problems in agriculture and environment have become topics of many discussions. Agricultural environment has been seriously destroyed; the quality of agricultural products decreased; animal diseases arose; environment degradation flood in; all these issues need regional or global effort to reverse these trends and improve the situation.

Third, agricultural science and technology is one of the approaches to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). Besides the above-mentioned food safety and security issues, poverty reduction is also a key goal of the MDG. As a matter of fact, the poverty of developing countries is mainly rural poverty in nature. So, it is necessary to strengthen North-South cooperation with more assistance to developing countries.

Last but not least, all national agricultural research institutions also need to develop extensive cooperation if they want to solve these broad issues. Each country has its own agricultural research and education systems, priorities and specific resources endowed to unique technologies for national conditions. Therefore, it is significant to get the leaders of national agricultural research institutions together to discuss how to share the science and technology resources among these research institutions and to jointly solve the global and regional issues of concern by different countries so as to promote global agricultural S & T and enhance scientific research efficiency.

OBJECTIVES

1. To seek common priorities for collaboration and strengthen National Agricultural Research Institutions’ (NARI) partnerships;
2. To analyze the challenges faced by NARI from the perspectives of the leaders of the NARI;
3. To reach the consensus on planned actions regarding to address sustainable development issues and to facilitate research partnerships to meet the challenges.

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED

1. Agricultural technology innovation
2. Poverty reduction
3. Food security and safety
4. Nutrition and health
5. Sustainable agricultural development

PARTICIPANTS

1. Presidents of national agric. research institutions (NARI)
2. Agricultural leaders from governmental organizations
3. Resource experts from international organizations
4. Presidents of provincial academies of agricultural sciences in China.

LANGUAGE

English

DATE

24-25th October, 2006

VENUE

XIYUAN Hotel (5 stars), 1 Sanlihe Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100044, P. R. China. Website: http://www.hoteltravel.com/china/beijing/xiyuan.htm

RESENTATION

The conference room will be equipped with a computer (Windows XP) and a projector. Please prepare your presentation in MS PowerPoint for Windows and save your file in a USB stick, removable hard disc, or CD. Please copy your file to the designated computer at registration desk by ONE DAY BEFORE the day of your presentation.

HOTEL RESERVATION

Accommodation has been reserved for all participants. The room rent is 780 Yuan (about $100) per day and it doesn’t cover other extra expenses of telephone, fax, laundry, etc. Participants are responsible for their own expenses including travel and accommodation. The GLAST will cover the meals including one banquet.

Weather

The weather in Beijing in late October is dry, and it is warm at daytime but cold at night. The average temperature is around 20 Celsius degrees at daytime and 9 degrees at night.

Cancellations

Participants who can not attend the meeting due to unforeseeable circumstances must inform the Secretariat at least one week before the planned departure date.

INFORMATION ON VISA

Please note that visas will not be granted upon arrival in China. Participants need to obtain necessary visas before traveling to Beijing.

To get your visa processed at the Chinese embassy, please complete the Registration Form, based on which we will send you an authorized document from the Chinese government to help you with your visa application.

AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION

Cost-free transportation will be arranged between airport and hotel based on the information provided by participants. If you miss the bus, please reach the hotel directed by below message:

XIYUAN Hotel, 1 Sanlihe Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100044, P. R. China Tel: (86-10) 68313388

Hotel map

ONE DAY CITY TOUR

A one-day city tour in Beijing, costing 240 Yuan (about $30), is arranged on the 26th of October 2006, covering entrance tickets, lunch, air-conditioned transportation, English-based guide, and insurance. The tour includes the following spots: Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Wanshou Temple.