the Symposium on Wheats for More Tropical Environments - cimmyt

20must realize that <strong>the</strong> centers have beencast in a role much greater thanresearch on crops, cropping andfarming systems. They should, in myview, become <strong>the</strong> catalysts anddiagnostic tools in anticipating <strong>the</strong>concomitant needs that must beaddressed in <strong>the</strong> years and generationsahead, so that <strong>the</strong> dynamics generatedat <strong>the</strong> time of <strong>the</strong>ir creation do notfalter or stagnate. With every step, wi<strong>the</strong>very solution found to problems. wi<strong>the</strong>very bit of new knowlegdeacquired.<strong>the</strong>re arise new issues in achanging and growing world. Thecenters are uniquely positioned now toplay this role, and <strong>the</strong>y are able toanticipate in scientific and technicalterms <strong>the</strong> projected needs and demandswhich go beyond <strong>the</strong>ir originalmandates. They are, <strong>the</strong>refore. in aposition to create awareness amongthose in <strong>the</strong> political sphere of <strong>the</strong>irresponsibility to help <strong>the</strong>ir constituentsreap <strong>the</strong> full benefits of properly appliedscientific opportunities.In short, vision, opportunities andresponsible interaction will ultimatelycreate <strong>the</strong> climate for enlighteneddecisions to be made. This will takecourage and persuasion.Food. health, water and energy areessential to sustain life on our planet.They have a fundamental impact on<strong>the</strong> human condition, and willultimately determine whe<strong>the</strong>r humanbeings can function to <strong>the</strong> optimumlevel of <strong>the</strong>ir capacity. This is <strong>the</strong>crucial element in development, andmust be <strong>the</strong> foremost concern, as I amsure it is. of each and everygovernment. Over <strong>the</strong> last 14 years, Inever permitted this importantconsideration to be lost in our supportof what I believe to be <strong>the</strong> cornerstoneof development and <strong>the</strong> right of everyhuman being.We, in <strong>the</strong> donor community who havesupported your work. are truly gratefulto you who are in <strong>the</strong> midst of a greatenterprise that has produced much andholds forth <strong>the</strong> promise of excitingnew ventures for <strong>the</strong> improvement of<strong>the</strong> condition of mankind. When welook around us and see how muchtime, money and effort is spent onso much that is unproductive, wastefuland discouraging. we can only marvelat how much is being achieved with solittle here in <strong>the</strong> interest of so many.Too few in our world know, much lessappreciate, <strong>the</strong> splendid achievementsof <strong>the</strong>se international enterpriseswhich transcend political borders,differences and conflicts. Ininternational research, political chasmshave to be bridged by <strong>the</strong> scientificfraternity. It is initiative andcommitment which are indispensible.It seems to me that individual peopleare more important than institutions,which are <strong>the</strong> servants of people.Selfish objectives must be sublimatedin <strong>the</strong> interests of vast numbers ofpeople liVing in poverty and looking forhope. We can take great pride in ourjoint endeavor. which is an essentialingredient for <strong>the</strong> improvement of <strong>the</strong>quality of <strong>the</strong>ir lives. Indeed, it points<strong>the</strong> way towards eliminating intolerableinequities and laying <strong>the</strong> foundationsfor peace.