formulated guidelines in that area and would collaborate closely with the Department of International EConomic and Social Affairs and UNDP's Central Evaluation Unit. 24. In cooclusion, she assured the Committee that the Department's management position was stable, but that time was necessary for consolidation, which should be possible if there were no unpleasant financial surprises in the months ahead. Significant staff reductions had been made, resulting in the elimination of 38 per cent of the staff at Headquarters over the past 18 months. A period of consolidation was now necessary to ensure the viability of the Department, which could not withstand further reductions at the moment. 25. In the final analysis the fate of the Department depended on Governments' decisions. Traditionally, activities initiated at Headquarters had subsequently been entrusted to executing agencies in the field. It would not be wise to accede to new demands to decentralize operations beyond the degree envisaged in General Assembly resolution 32/197, which provided only for the decentralization of regional and subregional projects. The support of Governments would be of critical importance in that regard. 26. Mr. ORTEGA (Mexico) endorsed the remarks made by the representative of :E>;1ypt on section 7. His delegation was concerned about the reduction in technical co-operation activities. Several developing countries had exiressed a desire for a further exchange of views on that section within the Group of 77. He thus requested the Committee not to take any decision on section 7 until groups had had an opportunity to hold consultations. 27. Mr. EL SAFTY (:E>;1ypt) said that he found the replies given by the Assistant Secretary-General for Technical Co-operation for Jl:!velopment and the Controller very disturbing. It seemed that the essential concern was to determine whether the Department of Technical Co-operation for Jl:!velopment could function or not. Yet 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the management and restructuring of a department within the United Nations system, specifically the Department of Technical Co-operation for Development. The conversation revolves around the need for consolidation, staff reductions, and the role of governments in supporting the department's activities. The mention of international economic and social affairs, and the involvement of the Department of International Economic and Social Affairs and UNDP's Central Evaluation Unit, suggests that the department's work may have implications for economic development and international cooperation. However, the text does not provide specific details about the department's activities or the topics it addresses, making it challenging to pinpoint a single category.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade