WORLD CONFERENCE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY:  CORE Partners with United Nations to host Biotech Seminar

The subject of using biotechnology to enhance food production has sparked a great deal of controversy and debate.  Proponents argue that the use of biotechnology can increase the efficiency of farmers particularly in developing nations.  They point to the increased resistance to crop eating insects and herbicides, the greater nutritional content and the positive effects on the environment.  Opponents cite the unknown long term consequences and ethical implications as their primary reservation in its use. They advocate further testing and stricter regulation.

 While some parts of the world, such as the US and Japan have embraced biotechnology, other countries and regions of the world have continued to express reservations.

 While the debate rages on, millions die from hunger and disease all over the world.  For this reason, the Congress of Racial Equality decided to comprehensively address the issue.

CORE, which has consultative NGO status with the United Nations, decided to co-sponsor, along with the Economic and Social Council of the UN (ECOSOC), an all day conference to examine this critical issue.

 Ambassador Aminu Wali, the Permanent Representative to the U.N. from Nigeria agreed to host this important event as part of a 2-day celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday.

The Conference was held on Tuesday, January 18, 2005, and was a huge success.  More than 1000 people attended, including dozens of students from some of New York City’s top science orientated high schools and Universities.  World renowned experts in areas of agriculture and biotech sciences discussed the issue at the United Nation's Trusteeship Council Chambers at UN headquarters in New York City.

Program participants included:

•             Dr.  Decio Ripandelli, Deputy Director-General, ICGEB

•             Mr. Clive James - Chairman, Board of Directors ISAAA

•             H.E. Mr. Mohd Isa Rastam – Ambassador, Malasia

•             H.E. Bruno van der Pluijm – Ambassador, Belgium

•             Dr. Herb London - President, Hudson Institute

•             Deroy Murdock – News Commentator & National Columnist

•             Dr. Sujatha Sankula - Director,  National Center of Food & 

               Agricultural Policy

•             Dr. Carl Pray – Professor, Rutgers University

•             Dr. Richard Bennett - Univ. of Reading, Department of

               Agriculture & Food Economics

•             Dr. Stephen Morse, Berkshire, UK

•             Ms. Florence Chenoweth, Director, Food & Agricultural

               Organizations (FAO) UN

•             H.E. Mr. Baki Ilkin – Ambassador, Turkey

•             Dr. Stewart Firestein, Columbia University, Bio-Sciences

•             Dr. Don McKenzie - Executive VP, Agriculture -Biotechnology

               Strategies, Canada

•             Dr. Bruce Chassy - Dean, Food Safety, Regulatory Systems,

               University of Illinois

•             Nicholass Kalaitzandonakes - Professor, Agrobiotechnology Center, University of Missouri

•             Mr. Jacques Coicaud - Director,  United Nations University

•             Dr. Paul B. Thompson – Professor, Agricultural Ethics, Michigan

               State University

•             Dr. Albert Ayen - Professor, Rutgers University

•             Mr. Earnest Larry, Farmer

•             Mr. Chengal Reddy, Chairman Indian Federation of Farmers,

               Hyderabad, India

•             Professor Ruth K. Oniang’o -  Editor-in-Chief, African Journal of Food, Nutrition  and Development

•             H.E. Mr. S. Hackett – Ambassador, Barbados

•             H.E. Irena Zubcevic – Ambassador, Croatia

•             Dr. Bob Goldberg,  Manhattan Institute for Policy Research

•             Dr.  Gary Comstock – Executive VP, AGBIOS, Canada

•             Mr. Harald Schmidt - Director, Nuffield Council on

               Biotechnology, London, UK

•             Mr. Youssef  Sabri - Deputy Director, UNIDO

•             H.E. Teruneh Zenna – Ambassador, Ethiopia 

•             H.E. Jose Briz – Ambassador, Guatamala

•             Julian Morris Director, International Policy Network

•             Mr. Orobola Fasehun - Director, WIPO

•             Ed Vasallo, Esq - Intellectual Properties Attorney, Fitzpatrick,

               Cella, Harper & Scinto

For a comprehensive analysis of the conference please read National Review columnist Deroy Murdock’s Beyond “Frankenfood” Myths: Biotech saves lives in Africa.

http://www.nationalreview.com/murdock/murdock200501251137.asp

For further information on this and future conferences, Call: (212) 598-4000