The end of hunger and extreme poverty is within the world's reach and the charge is to do so within the next 50 years. Those of us who support higher education can be proud of the critical part research and education have played in recent decades to reduce the human toll from these twin human tragedies. Continued progress requires continued knowledge breakthroughs from many disciplines and the translation of research findings into transformational development programs, agricultural policies, and public policy --- again with critical input from universities. We welcome and urge you to join us today in our commitment to ensure higher education's role in realizing the greatest achievement for humanity in the 21st century. Yes it is within reach.