This was a very different conference to the kind of international conference many of us are used to attending, but also different to the kinds of conferences that have previously been held at Prasanthi Nilayam, aimed only at devotees. As 90% of learning comes from the environment, not from what is said, it was important to find a "non-toxic" environment for this conference, and we were fortunate that UNESCO originally decided to hold the meeting here at this ashram, where human values infuse the surroundings. It was unfortunate that circumstances led to UNESCO withdrawing at a very late stage, but the Sathya Sai Institute of Education in Thailand has done a wonderful job in catalyzing people from around the world to take over the enormous task of managing and hosting the conference. I am sure all will agree what a good job has been done.

The mix of educators has been a real strength of this conference, including as it has devotees of Sathya Sai, together with significant numbers of those who had never encountered him before. I am sure all delegates are grateful for the hospitality and care extended to them by the ashram under the guidance of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Another feature that was generally missing from the kinds of International conferences I have attended in the past was the diminished role of individual ego - generally people want to push their own ideas and points of view - here people generally came to listen and to share and to learn.

The conference opened with an inaugural message from Sathya Sai Baba. He set the scene for us by asking us to look for the eternal Truth, and for unity in diversity. Education he reminded us was more than bookish knowledge, first telling us it was learning about the love of our God, but also about learning not to pollute the five elements - a very different conceptual framework for those of us brought up on the periodic table of elements! It was also learning about the values of Purity, Patience and Persistence. Later he reminded us that education comes from Educare - the drawing out of what is already within.

The conference sessions were divided into four Plenary panels; round table discussions to follow-up on the ideas presented in these in a more in-depth fashion; workshops and case studies to share experiences; and the small group discussions that have already been outlined.

The plenary panels covered:

1. The Conceptual Framework of Education and Human Values
2. Innovative Approaches to Values Education
3. Teacher Education for Values and Peace Education
4. Regional and International Cooperation for Strengthening Policies for Values Education.