Dear President,

From September 20 to December 8, 2007, Monterrey, Mexico will host the 2007 UNESCO 
Universal Forum of Cultures. The forum is guided by the United Nations Educational, 
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and sponsored by the city of Monterrey, 
the regional government of Nuevo Leon, and the Mexican federal government. At least 
1.5 million visitors are expected during Forum Monterrey 2007. The State University of New 
York has been invited to take a leading role in the organization of this important 
international event, thus providing us an unparalleled opportunity to showcase The 
University’s excellence on a global stage.

The Forum’s main premise is “People caring for knowledge, knowledge caring for 
people,” a theme that resonates with all of us at The State University. Moreover, the core 
elements of the event are areas in which our campuses are already working: cultural 
diversity, sustainable development, conditions for peace, and knowledge. These 
elements, in turn, serve as focal points for the articulation of themes around which 
dialogs, exhibits and live activities will be organized.

I can think of no faculty or student body better poised to contribute significantly to this 
international event than the faculty and students of The State University of New York. 
Indeed, the organizers of Forum Monterrey 2007 asked The State University to become 
involved in its organization and realization precisely because such an event needs the 
breadth of expertise of our faculty as well as their talents as educators, artists, and 
generators of ideas. It also needs the excellence of The State University’s students, their 
intellectual curiosity, their energy, and their enthusiasm. Finally, it needs people who have 
demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of civil society and of good global 
citizenship…something that outstanding faculty and students alike do each and every 
day at campuses throughout our System.

Attached to this letter is an information sheet providing further details about how your 
campus can play a role in Forum Monterrey 2007. I thank you for your interest in this 
exciting initiative.

Sincerely,
Chancellor John R. Ryan