Planning for the conference started in May 2004. IFPRI is consulting with a range of partners in shaping the format and content of this conference. These include the following: FAO, WFP, UNAIDS, RENEWAL, UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, SCN, RTI International, USAID, IDRC, WARDA, ICRISAT, ICRAF, CIAT, the Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa, CARE International, Micronutrient Initiative, Rockefeller Foundation, University of KwaZulu Natal, University of the Western Cape (S Africa), Michigan State University, Tulane University (USA) and other organizations.