In addition, the social development issues and women's issues that were discussed independently are issues that require immediate attention -- and none of these issues are issues that can be solved easily. In this sense, winding up a discussion on the women's issue does not mean they have been solved. We have no choice but to continue our efforts to address all of these problems. We cannot afford not to move forward.

Therefore, with your approval, I would like to suggest "Population and Food" to be the theme of discussion following women's issues.

In November of this year, the World Food Summit will be held in Rome by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The task of "supporting the ever-increasing population" will become increasingly important in the future. That is why we have scheduled a roundtable discussion on food and population on the second day of this year's conference.

"No child should be born just to starve and die." These are the words of Honorable late Mr. Takashi Sato who was one of the founders of the Asian Forum and served as its first chairman. Creating a world free of starvation, and being responsible for creating the fundamental conditions that enable humanity to build their own future -- I believe these were the keynote and spirit of AFPPD. ~

Much difficulty lies ahead in the future of food supply. Population is declining in terms of rate of increase but continues to increase in terms of absolute number. The environment surrounding food production is becoming increasingly difficult because this swelling population and excessive consumption of the developed countries are leading to deterioration of the environment.

The measures for "restraining population increase and achieving food development that is harmonious with the environment" will be of crucial importance if we are going to make the future promising for the human race. This is an issue that can never be taken too seriously.

As people to whom the future of our countries have been entrusted, we parliamentarians have the obligation to make responsible decision on this issue that will determine the future of humanity from a long-term perspective and put them into action, so that humanity will keep on living and the future will be bright for our children.

The important key in fulfilling this obligation would be to build a cooperating relationship with exporting countries while maintaining food production base in regions where the environment is disadvantageous for production and striving to secure an environment that will enable each country to become basically self-sufficient in terms of food.

I hope that you will take this opportunity to freely discuss this matter and make this the first step in addressing the population and food security issue of Asia.
Asia started addressing the issue of population and women before the International Con-ference on Population and Development in Cairo and became the driving force behind