be given much greater stress in brinqinq about effective involvement in implementing policies. In this regard efforts must be strengthened to ensure the full and equal participation of women in the development process. Effective commitment to development also requires the access of every member of society to adequate health, education and living facilities. These are the prerequisites for the creation of the human skills in society to allow sustainable development. To this end there is a need for sound, accountable government and for JWt/4 A/S-18/PV. 2 13 (Mr. Collins, Ireland) a commitment to the welfare of the most vulnerable sections of society. Fundamental attention must be qiven to the question of population growth in the search for sustainable development. Finally, experience increasingly suggests that concern for the environment is crucial to ensure full commitment to development efforts. Environmental degradation poses a widespread and increasing threat for all mankind. Land degradation, desertification and soil erosion, as well as floods and famine, which have caused enormous loss of life in recent years, all underline the precarious situation of hundreds of millions in the developing world. Poverty and its interrelated causes in the developing countries pose an enormous threat to sustainable development. Without increased attention and commitment to tacklinq the complex and interrelated problems neqatively affectivinq our common environment, the future of all our countries is sombre. For their part, the developed countries will be required to provide additional resources and the appropriate technologies to complement the efforts of the developinq countries to protect their fragile human and natural resources. I have spelled out in some detail the present views of the European Community and its member States because of the importance we attach to the achievement of the objectives of the present special session. I would once again emphasize that the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech or statement about the importance of sustainable development, highlighting the need for effective government, environmental protection, and social welfare. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these issues and the need for cooperation between developed and developing countries. The text does not specifically focus on economic development, but rather on the broader context of development and the challenges it poses.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment, Humanitarian aid and relief