The 2nd Global Forum of Leaders for Agricultural Science and Technology (GLAST-2007)---Modern Agriculture and Rural Development, sponsored by CAAS and co-sponsored by FAO and CGIAR, was held in Beijing on October 18-19, 2007, as a major event for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of CAAS. Representatives from 24 countries, 8 international bodies and 25 provinces attended the Forum.