Although this was an historic meeting, the clash of national and vested interest groups prevented far-reaching solutions to these problems. Arguably the most significant output was Agenda 21, a blueprint for sustainable development for the 21st Century. Many of the central ideas in Agenda 21 - education, consultation, participation, the role of women, global cooperation, the tackling of poverty, etc. It is clear that for genuine and effective action to tackle the problems of poverty and over-consumption, a major change in the value system is essential. Many believe that human beings are inevitably selfish and egocentric.
Values stem primarily from culture and education.
The main role of divine revelation is to help people develop their inherent 'spiritual' potential. Education can alone cause it to reveal its treasures. The Development of New Democratic Structures With the change in values must come new democratic structures which seek the widest participation, transparency and accountability in decision making, as recognized in Agenda 21. An unbridled economic nationalism is weakening the stability on which each individual country ultimately depends. Only when ego and self-interest are subordinated to the greater benefit of society can effective solutions be identified and developed.