initiative, are now being allowed appropriate opportunities to propose, create, innovate and lead. These changes and the trends and forces that have caused them have brought us together at a remarkably decisive moment. By taking heed of ·recent developments, we can fashion an immensely more productive agenda for sustained economic development for the future. This historic opportunity also creates very special circumstances here at the United Nations. That is the reason for the active and energetic participation of the United States delegation here today. In the course of this special session, the General Assembly has the opportunity to articulate general themes for international economic co-operation in the 1990s. These themes can help guide the work of the United Nations, and in JVM/7 A/S-18/PV. 5 25 (Mr. Pickering, United States) particular direct the efforts of the Second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, the preparation of an international development strateqy and the proceedings of uNcrAo VIII. RH/8 A/S-18/PV. 5 26 (Mr. Pickerinq, United States) The underlying themes of the conceptual framework are alreadv clear~ First, multi-party democracy based on free, periodic and qenuine elections; Second, the rule of law and equal protection of the law, based on respect for human rights and on effective, accessible and just legal systems; Third, economic activity that respects the riqht of workers to form and join independent trade unions and that does not involve forced labour or discrimination aqa inst workers because of their gender, ethnic oriqins, religious beliefs or political views; Fourth, free, open and competitive market economies in which Prices are determined by supply and demand; Fifth, unhindered exchanqes of qoods and services amonq individuals and enterprises in both domestic and international markets which include and encouraqe direct contacts amonq customers and suppliers; 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of creating a productive agenda for sustained economic development, highlighting the need for multi-party democracy, rule of law, and free market economies. It also mentions the need for unhindered exchanges of goods and services, which suggests a focus on international trade and economic cooperation. The text does not mention natural resources, environment, agriculture, forestry, fishing, transport, communication, health, education, humanitarian aid, or culture, and only briefly touches on employment and science and technology.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade