The 16th Tri-University International Joint Seminar and Symposium will be held at Mie University from October 19 to 22, 2009. Mie University will gladly serve as host for this event. In 1994, Mie University organized the 1st Tri-University International Joint Seminar & Symposium (hereafter: the Seminar) in cooperation with two partner universities, Chiang Mai University and Jiangsu University. The Seminar has since become a regular annual event. Background Over a decade ago, Mie University sought possible opportunities to make international exchange more fruitful for university students, beyond the exchange of academic information among the partner universities. Recognizing the importance of human resources capable of working together worldwide in the midst of rapid internationalization and globalization, the Seminar was established with a focus on young students and researchers. The Seminar offered them opportunities to meet and discuss global issues, such as population, food, energy and the environment. The three founder universities agreed to host the program in turn. Partner universities having exchange agreements with the three host universities were also invited to take part. Although the number of participating universities has increased, the name of the Seminar retains the term "Tri-University" to this day, commemorating the three founder universities and their continuing leading roles in the Seminar. Objectives To give university students opportunities to develop mutual understanding and friendship with fellow students from overseas through real interaction. To give them opportunities to improve their ability to communicate with people from various countries, and to present and discuss papers in English, which is the most important international language today. To let them cultivate international awareness, so that they will be able to tackle global issues and to solve problems in cooperation with people from diverse professional fields. To give them practice in preparing presentation materials and organizing what they have to say within a limited time in a manner that everybody can understand.