Observance of International Youth Year reflected her Government's perceptions and led to a natural emphasis being placed on local, national and regional efforts as a focus for youth activities. That did not suggest that the international dimension was forgotten or that the need for better channels of communication between youth bodies and the United Nations was unrecognized. However, the strengthening of existing channels for co-ordination and communication should be the natural outcome of an increasing awareness on the part of young people and youth organizations of the value of international exchanges. Her Government was not convinced that the creation of new international bureacratic structures would contribute to the strengthening of that communication. In addition, Ireland's conviction that both individual and collective development were the product of active participation led it to doubt the utility of a global plan of action. Given the wide variation in the circumstances of young people from society to society, such a global plan would be obliged to stress the general at the expense of meaningful activities of local, national and regional relevance. 15. Young people could not be considered in isolation from the society in which they grew, and a society which adequately protected the human rights of all already protected those of youth. The elaboration of a declaration on the rights and responsibilities of youth might bring about confusion and fragmentation rather than enhancement. The Year was a time of opportunity, a challenge to young and adult alike to join in overcoming the difficulties which confronted their common development. The possibilities of the Year, at both the national and international levels, were immense, and the initiative must be taken to encourage optimum participation by young people in the development of society. 16. Mr. JATIVA (Ecuador) said that Ecuador, a country in which the youth sector 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the role of young people in society, their rights and responsibilities, and the importance of participation in development. It does not mention specific economic or environmental issues, but rather focuses on the broader societal context. It also references international cooperation and the United Nations, which suggests a category related to international relations.

**Category**
Education, Humanitarian aid and relief