legal basis. Furthermore, of importance for the future living together of Germans and foreigners in our country are all initiatives that make us experience cultural diversity as an asset and revitalize the idea of solidarity, in particular with the poorest nations, an idea that at present has unfortunately lost its meaning to many people in oor country. All of our new projects in third-world countries will focus on the human being, not as the measure of all things but as a significant criterion. To enable 5 RH/35 A/S-18/PV. 2 169-170 (Mr. Ebeling, German Democratic Republic) people to live in a future world of dignity that is worth living in, we shall join in the fight against poverty where possible. We shall advocate equal rights for women and help check drug abuse through international efforts. We shall also make our contribution to improving health care and easing the serious housing shortage, and above all help limit the destruction of the environment and bring it to an end or even reverse it. The increasing over-exploitation of the Earth's forest, the climatic change caused by the emission of pollutants and the advancing of deserts world-wide are only three examples of life-threatening danger that concerns us all and can be fought only by all of us jointly. The heavy burden of external indebtedness, in particular that of the developing countries, hinders economic development in many places. In some cases it even swallows up 98 per cent of the export earnings of a oountry. .: i!&t1&t22!2t21Jaxa:a:saaba I ·\ 1 JP/ASW A/S-18/PV.2 171 (Mr. Ebeling, German Democratic Republic) Here also unconventional forms of debt reduction -indeed, total forgiveness of debts -should not be taboo. This could, for instance, be linked to the extensive protection of ecologically important biotopes for the benefit of mankind as a whole. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses various issues related to global development, focusing on poverty reduction, environmental protection, and economic development. It emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing these challenges. The text also touches on issues like debt reduction, human rights, and social development.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Natural resources and environment, Economic development