We are gathered here to examine international co-operation and the revitalization of the economic growth and development of the developing countries. There could be no better time. The end of the cold war, the changes towards democracy and freedom in Eastern Europe and the climate of political detente throughout the world give us an exceptional opportunity to resume the dialogue on international economic co-operation in a broader context and to reactivate North-South relations with a view to reducing the growing inequality between the well-being of the peoples of the rich nations and the well-being of those who are sinking ever more deeply into poverty - the legacy of the 1980s. JP/bg A/S-18/PV.9 25 (Mr. Nieto, Costa Rica ) Today, at the beginning the 1990s, a billion people, one fifth of the world ’s population, lives in a state of grinding poverty and absolute ignorance. The foreseeable future gives no hope of a dignified life for the vast majority of peoples. We must not allow this situation of universal injustice to continue. The time has come to make a genuine commitment, based on human solidarity, to distribute fairly the fruits of progress, the basis of international peace and stabili ty. JSM/jl A/S-18/PV. 9 26 (Mr. Nieto , Costa Rica ) Durinq the last decade, the req ion of Central America has endured the most Profound crisis in its history. Per capita income declined by 17 per cent, and this set us back, in terms of livinq standards, by some 20 years. The drastic and prolonqed decline in commodity prices, which amounted to a loss of 4600 million for the reqion in 12 months on coffee alone; the fliqht of capital, the servicinq of the external debt and the collapse of the Central American common market, exacerbated by political problems and violent domestic 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic development of developing countries, highlighting the challenges they face, such as poverty, inequality, and external debt. It emphasizes the need for international cooperation and solidarity to address these issues. The text also mentions the decline of commodity prices and the collapse of a regional market, which suggests that the text is focused on economic development rather than other areas.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief