Africans are aware of an economic and social breakdown and the increasing weight of poverty, which can be diminished if prioritized in terms of budget allocation. People's welfare can be improved with the creation of an indigenous entrepreneurial class, reliance on strategic planning and establishment of institutions to deliver goods and services. Nevertheless, to ensure sustainability, Africa's present and future must be written by its own people and not by decision makers outside of the continent. In this respect the aspirations of the OAU founders were recalled for a united Africa in terms of common decisions, concerted actions and common diplomatic positions. Conflict resolution and the strive for peace is a necessary condition to foresee development.
Institutional capability is the main prerequisite for implementing sustainable development.
However, institutional mechanisms must be evaluated in terms of their relevance for Africa. The task is to determine whether NCSDs and other organizations are viable for the region, whether they should be maintained, altered or set-aside. Africans are actively seeking alternative sustainable development strategies. The meeting was a testimony to this knowledge.