In recent decades, the world has faced problems such as rapidly increasing populations, poverty and environmental degradation. In addition, global issues about food, agriculture and environment of the future cause us to gather. We, the students from 19 universities in 19 countries and area assembled to exchange ideas and different points of views about these issues, focusing on “Understanding the Importance of Education and Innovation in Food, Agriculture and Environment.”  Thus, we have agreed upon the following statement, which we publicly announce:

1. Education is one of the best tools for development that a country can invest in. Education must be oriented to all ages, with an emphasis on the youth, extending to the whole society. We must clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each component of the society, government, industries, educational institutions, producers and consumers. Interdisciplinary approaches and cooperation between all these components in joint action with international organizations may pave the way for sustainable agricultural production, better food safety levels, and to help reduce the environmental burden. Today’s students can play an active role as leaders in the society. In this way, we commit after graduation, to continue working for the solutions of global issues that affect us.



2. In many countries, there is still a big internal gap between the knowledge of those with different occupations and academic understandings. The different country’s educational levels affect agriculture production and food safety standards, which negatively impact their economies. Even though knowledge and innovative technologies are often provided by universities and other research institutions, they are not always accessible or transferable to the common user. In cooperation with local community leaders, students of agricultural science related universities should act as liaisons, increasing accessibly of information and technology for the general public’s better understanding.



3. Traditional techniques and knowledge that have existed for generations are being threatened by new innovations and technologies. Recognizing the effectiveness and cultural value of many of these methods, we should evaluate both old and new practices and find a balance and combination of the best of traditional and modern practices. There was a shift of paradigms from ecological to life science for agriculture studies, but now as students we wish to reach a balance between the paradigms in order to use resources more efficiently to reach harmonious developments in the region.



4. Education should not be limited to the formal education we obtain in institutions like schools or universities, but we should also value the opportunities offered by non-formal education. Educational programs should encourage agricultural extension and training, as well as, student communities for the exchange of information. By joining the International Students Summit this year, being exposed to the exchange of different countries and cultures, we understood that students all around the world can actually learn a lot from each other. We will continue this experience by suggesting a more active participation in the International Students Forum network.

We, the students, thank Tokyo University of Agriculture for organizing the 6th International Students Summit held on November 30th through December 1st, 2006. As a result of the discussions we held during this week, we understand that as students, we are privileged to have had this opportunity.  We have a very important responsibility in sharing this privilege by educating the community and providing it with innovations.

December 1, 2006
International Students Summit