It is now up to the world community to turn this propitious political climate for international co-operation into similar progress in the economic and social area. In this field results are still modest, and all too often depressing. In many parts of the developing world the 1980s were a decade characterized by slow or negative growth. In many cases the debt burden constitutes the single most difficult obstacle to economic recovery. Poverty and environmental degradation and unprecedented population growth rates are the sad effects of economic stagnation and imbalances. In order to create the right conditions for sustainable growth in the developing countries measures have to be taken in both the national and the international contexts. There is no doubt that every nation has to assume responsibility for its own economic and social policies and thus for the well-being of its citizens. JP/td A/S-18/PV. 3 3 (Ms. Hjelm-wallen, Sweden) international contexts. There is no doubt that every nation has to assume responsibility for its own economic and social policies and thus for the well-being of its citizens. Many developing countries have taken drastic and often painful steps in order to reform their economies in the direction of more open markets and realistic pricing systems. For others this remains to be done. The industrialized countries must also take necessary and sometimes difficult domestic decisions in order to improve the functioning of the global economy for the benefit of all. Increased attention will have to be directed to human resources development. Efforts to promote human rights, democracy and popular participation, basic education, employment, health and social services are ends in themselves, but also essential means by which to achieve lasting growth and to eradicate widespread poverty. Any successful development policy must also acknowledge the role of women in society and in productive work. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by developing countries in achieving economic and social progress, including poverty, debt burden, and environmental degradation. It emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, national responsibility, and human resources development to achieve lasting growth and eradicate poverty. The text highlights the need for economic reforms, education, employment, and social services, as well as the role of women in society and productive work.

**Category**
Economic development, Education, Employment, Health