Sustainability of agriculture is an important topic for both developed and developing countries as today everyone shares the earth's resources and is being challenged to use them wisely. Using guidelines of economics, sociology and environmental sciences compromises are reached at a national level on defining sustainability based on cultures and current conditions. Thus emphasis on resource management is not a unifying concept because of the conflict among peoples and countries. Several new technologies offer potential for better mutual understanding, e.g., electronic communication and more awareness of cultural diversity, to move forward. Conversely, political and cultural conflicts, e.g., GATT (WTO) negotiations on world trade and the ramifications of biotechnology, will continue to be divisive. All of these have both short-term and long-term challenges and will play important roles in developing ways to meet human needs and bring into balance the use of finite resources like air, water, energy, and soil. Another important consideration is the relative roles of public research and education in development and use of agricultural technology. This will need to be compared to private industry which is already playing a nearly dominant role in developed countries. Stable governments, with positive international agendas, that can implement production and trade policies that are compatable with world markets and marketing will be essential. The time span for cultural and economic change is likely generations. For a short time, at best, many developing countries will risk exploiting natural resources for the betterment of their people. The transition to become and remain sustainable must occur on a world basis.