I am now in Seattle, participating in Pacific Health Summit which is held annually in June since last 4 years. I have attended the first conference four years ago, but could not make it to the 2nd and 3rd conference due to some other schedule.
This year's theme was "Nutrition" and I participated in a panel on "Soaring Food Prices, MDG (Millennium Development Goals)." The host was Peter Singer from Toronto University, one of my old friends. The problem of nutrition and food is a global challenge. As the FAO conference held in Rome 2 weeks ago was not so successful, it may not be easy, but the topic is expected to be in the agenda of Toyako Summit to be held in July.
Photo 1 Dr. Kondo of HPI and Dr. Sunil Chacko
Photo 2 At the panel with Dr. Peter Singer on my right, Dr. Marc Van Ameringen, Director General of GAIN on my left(we were together in the Conference held in February.)
Recently, I am immersed in TICAD as well as G8 Summit, greenhouse, energy, poverty, development and issues in Africa, etc. It's nice, I see same people (refer 1 and 2 ) on one hand and also get acquainted with new people on the other hand. The world is "flat" now and issues have become global. I feel that challenges that Japan and each one of us will face in the future will be very big. I also met Dr. Margeret Chan, Director General of WHO whom I haven't seen since last year. She is also exercising great leadership skills.
Seattle is a very beautiful city with beautiful waterfronts and woods. The weather was fine and I enjoyed my stay very much. I even went to see the game of Mariners using my free time. This year their condition was not so good. Audience was small (almost 1/4th of the capacity of stadium), and Ichiro had 2 strikeouts. It was a boring match since the team lacked the "winning" spirit. But applause for Ichiro was greatest in his home ground and I think he will appear in the "All Star Game" this year too (last year he was the MVP). What a pity that Jojima was not a part of starting member! As expected, the replacement of the manager was announced on the next day.
Photo 3 Mariner's Game
Photo 4 Ichiro at bat
