this session of a decision along the lines of the soviet proposal would be a major contribution to accomplishing this task. Naturally, such an important and positive step by the United Nations would help create a favourable climate for the work of the existing forums where space issues are being discussed. This concerns the bilateral soviet-American negotiations in Geneva, the Conference on Disarmament and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The soviet Union is in favour of energetically continuing all those efforts and striving for appropriate practical results. What we want is not to substitute one forum for another but to give an impulse to progress in all directions leading to the prevention of an arms race in space and to its peaceful utilization. We are convinced that the proposals of the soviet Union would contribute both to a better understanding among States and to the effective utilization of mankind's material and intellectual resources. A fresh impulse would be given to the development of science and technology. An important step would be made in using the achievements of space exploration for the benefit of the economic and social progress of the peoples. This would bring closer the solution of global problems, including the most urgent ones such as the elimination of hunger and disease and overcoming the economic backwardness of the developing countries. Such an approach to space is certainly not directed against any State. It is important to emphasize its non-confrontational character. In substance, it is in harmony with the broadest interests of the whole of mankind and, indeed, of the BG/12 A/C.l/40/PV. 3 49 (Mr. Troyanovsky, USSR) whole planet. I wish to quote in this connection the words of the founder of the theory of space travel, Konstantin E. Tsiolkovsky, who said that in the development 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the potential benefits of a decision on space exploration and utilization, highlighting its potential impact on global issues such as economic development, hunger, disease, and economic backwardness. It also emphasizes the importance of science and technology in achieving these goals.

**Category**
Science and technology, Economic development, Health