United Nations Members and should uphold justice for 22 the interest of maintaining world peace and building a better world, the Council must be able to discharge its lofty responsibilities in a more effective way. We, as members of the Council, should respond positively to this reasonable demand. 242. Looking back over the past 40 years, we recognize that the Security Council has considered many conflicts in different parts of the world and adopted a considerable number of resolutions on the settlement of the issues involved, thus playing a positive role in preventing, defus- ing and checking conflicts and easing international ten- sion. All this is commendable. However, it should also be noted that the Council took wrong decisions on certain questions, which went against the will of the world’s peo- ples and harmed their interests. The point now is that, measured against the provisions of the Charter, the perfor- mance of the Council leaves much to be desired. What causes general concern and anxiety is that the Council often proves impotent when it is asked by Member States to take effective measures against breaches of the peace. 243. A positive and encouraging change in the post-war world is the emergence of a large number of newly inde- pendent States in the world arena, changing the composi- tion of the United Nations and of the Security Council, where the third world and small and medium-sized coun- tries are playing an increasingly important and construc- tive role. The balance sheet of the successes and failures of the Council in the past provides us with much food for thought. Whenever the Council adheres strictly to the pur- poses and principles of the Charter, reflects the just demands of the great majority of Member States, particu- larly the third world and small and medium-sized coun- 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech or statement about the United Nations Security Council, focusing on its role and performance in maintaining world peace and resolving international conflicts. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating a high-level discussion about international relations and governance. The text does not mention specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather emphasizes the Council's responsibilities and the need for improvement.

**Category**
International relations, Humanitarian aid and relief