Additionally, the HCST represents and coordinates the Kingdom's interests before Arab, regional, and international organizations. The University of Illinois is involved in major research projects and institution building in countries throughout the world. Thirty percent of Israel's population lives on arid and semiarid lands that JNF has prepared. One agency priority is the development of the Negev Desert's vast and desolate reaches. Land reclamation has made possible the agricultural research and progress that is taking place in this arid region.
Research includes development in drip irrigation and brackish water farming.
Such advances contain important universal implications, because Negev communities continue to grow and prosper under the same environmental conditions found in many other areas of the world. New Mexico State University 's Center for International Programs has coordinated international research activities for more than 30 years, including a cooperative scientific exchange with Israel. South Dakota State University places a major emphasis on international development. These MOUs encourage collaborative projects that benefit all parties involved.