WASHINGTON, May 21, 2013 – Today, DuPont Pioneer President Paul Schickler urged leaders from across government, business and non-profit organizations to invest in today’s youth to solve the greatest challenge of tomorrow’s generation – feeding 9 billion people.  Schickler spoke at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs Symposium and shared stories of outstanding students who have made a commitment to feeding a growing world population.

“My parents’ generation put a man on the moon; my generation put a computer in every pocket.  Feeding the world will be the great challenge of generations to come,” Schickler said.  “It is a challenge that will need to engage the best minds in information technology to food processing, international trade to water and land resources, political reform to culinary sciences.  Together, I know we can feed the world.”

This year’s symposium, for the first time, included university students nominated by leaders in food and agriculture to represent the future scientists, engineers, policy makers, and more who are critical to increasing food production worldwide.  Schickler shared several students’ stories of how they will combat world hunger in their lifetime at the conference.

“We must ask ourselves what we are doing to support today’s leaders, scientists and farmers who are feeding the world, and that next generation who will take our place,” Schickler said.  “The collaborations and innovations that will increase global food security will be fueled most of all by the enthusiasm of generations to come.”

DuPont has committed to engage more than 2 million young people in food and agriculture educational opportunities by 2020 as one of the company’s food goals unveiled in 2012.  A fast-growing world population coupled with increasing urbanization and protein demands are driving the need for more talented young people to consider careers in agriculture.  Over the last six years, DuPont Pioneer has created more than 1,000 jobs a year and continues to grow.

To learn more about how DuPont is committed to driving food security efforts locally, sustainably and collaboratively, visit foodsecurity.dupont.com.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802.  The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment.  For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

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5/21/13