How do internal or external, national or institutional policies affect agricultural education and training (AET) systems? This is an important question for sustainable development of AET systems in international development. Effective AET systems: improve organizations and institutions; develop partnerships; encourage interdisciplinary collaborations; involve the private sector; encourage and share research; strengthen curricula; improve teaching; empower women; and, advance economies. However, this work does not happen in a vacuum. Institutional and national policy environments have a large effect on the development of AET systems. This symposium provides a space to discuss lessons learned and ways forward.