dominant positions, and -to a certain extent -to redistribute income and provide social safety nets. On the side of the developing countries we have noted several expressions of moderate and realistic attitudes. We seen this, for example, in the declaration from the last non-aligned summit meeting in Belgrade and indeed in the proposals put forward in connection with the preparations for this special session. Nobody seems to be contesting that each and every country carries primary responsibility JVM/15 A/S-18/PV. 3 67 (Mr. Vraalsen, Norway) for its own development, just as there no longer is any argument about the fact that a favourable international environment is needed if national efforts are to succeed. We therefore carry a joint responsibility for ensuring that the world economy offers a framework that will help and not thwart our national efforts. Positive political changes and tendencies towards a greater convergence of views means that we now have a golden opportunity to forge a new consensus - a consensus that will provide a political basis for increased and improved international co-operation -to help us face the challenges we see at the end of this millennium and to put the opportunities offered by the new situation to the best possible use. This consensus must be embodied in a declaration from this special session that should be brief, clear and readable, make sense to the experts, and aPPeal to both the hearts and the minds of interested and concerned men and women all over the world. Some progress has been made through the preparatory work, and as far as we can see there is a wide measure of agreement on a general approach consisting in mapping out the main challenges and giving broad policy guidelines on how to meet 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the importance of international cooperation and consensus-building in the context of economic development, particularly with regards to the challenges and opportunities presented by the end of the millennium. The language used suggests a focus on policy-making and the need for a framework that supports national efforts. The text also references the concept of social safety nets, which implies a broader consideration of social and economic development.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade