The U Thant Distinguished Lecture series, co-organized by the United Nations University (UNU) Centre and the UNU Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU/IAS), is a forum through which leading thinkers speak on the role of the United Nations in addressing the challenges facing the world in the twenty-first century. Previous speakers in this lecture series have been Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia; Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa; and the Honorable William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America.

Dr. Borlaug is known for his innovative work to overcome constraints on wheat production. During his sixteen years in Mexico he developed disease resistant, high-yielding wheat varieties that grow under a variety of climatic conditions. These crop types, along with improved management practices, transformed agricultural production and sparked the "Green Revolution" of the 1960s. The increase in food production assuaged starvation for hundreds of millions of people and, as a result, Dr. Borlaug is credited with saving more lives than any other person in history.

Dr. Borlaug has taken up the Presidency of the Sasakawa Africa Association and leadership of the Sasakawa Global 2000 agricultural programme in sub-Saharan Africa. Through these efforts, he has assisted several million farmers in fifteen countries of sub-Saharan Africa to increase their food production.

A question and answer period with the audience will follow Dr. Borlaug's lecture. Simultaneous English-Japanese interpretation will be provided. Media representatives are cordially invited to attend; please confirm your attendance in advance with the UNU Public Affairs Section.