(Mr. Benjelloun, Morocco) The twentieth century, now coming to a close, has been among the most complex of centuries and the most fraught with consequences. In many respects it will remain in our memories as a major retrogression of the human conscience, marked by the emergence of evils unknown in the history of mankind. We have lived through two world wars and dozens of local conflicts, each more destructive than all the atrocities of earlier times. We have known totalitarianism in its worst forms, Fascist genocide, concentration camps and nuclear weapons. We have lived through the fear of a period marked by the cold war, the division of the world into two hostile ideological camps, the suicidal arms race and the confinement of peoples in ghettos of insecurity and intolerance. Today, with the easing of world tensions, we have the opportunity to tum the page on this sorry record and strengthen human solidarity. The emerging world-wide intellectual consensus on the supremacy of law and the democratic ideal has restored a universal standard to the human lexicon, and we therefore welcome this fervour for peace and wisdom with gratitude and humility as a true manifestation of divine providence. The historical matrix constituted by this closing century has broken age-old patterns of life and ways of thinking, since our time has seen a giant step forward in universal decolonization, a phenomenon of expanding urbanization, substantial progress in means of global communication and a fundamental revolution in ideas and human rights, as well as an unparalleled aspiration to prosperity and development. RM/14 A/S-18/PV. 4 61 (Mr. Benjelloun, Morocco} At the same time, we are wi tnessinq the greatest demographic explosion• in human memory, accompanied by pressures on the natural environment that dangerously 
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the global events and trends of the 20th century, highlighting the complexities and consequences of human actions. It mentions various aspects such as wars, totalitarianism, nuclear weapons, and demographic explosion, which are not directly related to economic development or specific industries. However, the text does touch upon the theme of human rights, decolonization, and the aspiration for prosperity and development, which are indirectly linked to economic and social issues.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Culture