Organizers say they feel the conference achieved its goals, and they say they came away with more than they anticipated. Finally, we have begun to define some basic measures for quality of life and new terms of success for individuals, institutions and communities. That's the next step of women's progress. Moccio said the conference's international focus was a key element in its success. An opening plenary session identified contradictions and anxieties experienced by individuals, families and communities as they confront new challenges posed by globalization.
Time is needed for family as well as other needs.
A number of follow-up activities are in the works. A book of conference papers will be published, and organizers are creating an international quality of life survey. Participants also have committed to host focus group sessions in their respective countries, bringing issues raised at Bellagio to a wider range of scholars and decision-makers.