307. We, the members of the Security Council, are the focal point of the world’s hopes. The major Powers repre- sented here have a vital role to play in building the safer, more peaceful world we all seek. The Charter gave the Council formidable powers to help resolve disputes. Those p,owers should be used wisely and courageously in the service of peace. 308. We have seen that creative Council actions can pro- vide a basis for resolving some of the most difficult issues of our time. Resolution 242 (1967), for instance, has pro- vided the essential political and legal framework for Mid- dle East peace-making. The lesson is that Security Council resolutions can have an impact when. they are realistic, balanced, and constructive. One-sided actions and resolu- tions, on the other hand, have accomplished nothing, and never will. Selective condemnation has often exacerbated situations. 309. We have to make the Securitv Council work for peaceful solutions as effectively as *possible. This may require greater and more systematic involvement of the Council at early stages of developing conflicts; wider capacities for fact-finding, observation, and good offices; more extensive and regular informal consultations among Council members; and greater use by the Secretary- General of his powers under Article 99 to bring threaten- ing situations to the Council’s attention. 310. I take note of the fact that many around this table have said more or less the same thing about what the Security Council should do, so perhaps there is an emerg- ing consensus on some of these matters. 311. What we need, above all, is a greater commitment to fulfilling the role envisaged for the Council by the founders of the United Nations. This Council chamber should not be treated as another arena for name-calling, for ideological and political confrontation. As the Secretary-General has noted in his most recent report, 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a speech or statement by a high-ranking official, possibly the President of the United Nations Security Council, discussing the role and responsibilities of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security. The language is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that the topic is of great importance and requires careful consideration. The text does not mention specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather focuses on the institutional mechanisms and procedures of the United Nations.

**Category**
International Relations, Humanitarian aid and relief