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The most important outcome of the conference was formulated during the Open Space Technology? dialogue session which aimed to:

• identify and prioritize specific actions required from different stakeholders (educational institutions, industry, the professional associations, research organizations, etc.);
• explore how these actions can be achieved through cooperation and sharing of resources across Africa and with other developing countries.
  
  The discussions were noted in a Rough Workshop Report that is available on the conference website.

A key question that came out of the discussions was how to provide a more sustainable built environment for poor people. Two priority areas were identified:

1. improving quality of life in such a way that environmental and social impacts are minimized;
2. using self-help housing as a means towards this end

At a more strategic level, the following issues were identified as critical to the shift towards a sustainable built environment:

1. the need for a structured, coordinated process to mainstream sustainable building and construction, supported by a coordinating body in each sub-region;
2. the development of a linked knowledge management framework that includes research, education & training, awareness raising and advocacy
   

A number of actions have been identified around these themes and will be developed further in a draft Plan for Action Report which will be circulated to the conference delegates, as well as to other interested parties for comment. Upon completion, copies of the report will be widely distributed regionally and internationally.

Feedback from the conference participants was that the informal "Under and African Tree" discussion sessions were really appreciated, as they gave delegates the opportunity to discuss an issue in depth, interacting with the experts and sharing learning amongst themselves in a way that is not possible in a formal question and answer session.

The opportunity to play a meaningful role in the strategic direction of Sustainable Building Construction on the continent through the Open Space discussion session was also appreciated.