rationalizinq the international economy and qeneratinq positive impetus for the development of non-industrial nations. In the 1980s, our reqion sat~ an unfavourable economic environment crea teo by the sharp decline in oil revenues. This wcs the direct result of policies and measures adopted by the industrialized countries -policies and measures which qave rise to continuous fluctuations in oil prices and created a tendency for their decline. In response, all the oil-producing countries members of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council were forced to aPPlY austeri tv measures, naturally at the exPense of their economic and social development proqrammes. This has clearly weakened tlheir abili tv to provide assistance to developinq countries. A thorough understanding of the economic situation of our area in the 1990s and of its contributioo to development will remain closely linked to fluctuations in the oil market. It is inescapable that oil revenues still account for the qreater part of our reqion•s income. In talking of some of the issues of concern to the development efforts in the third world no problem should acquire hiqher priori tv to countries that have not vet set the base necessary for industrialization and developments other than bY changing the patterns of productioo methods. The developed world, in its pursuit of novel patterns and methods of production, has made it incumbent upon the developing countries to follow suit and improve their own means and methods of manufacturing by relying heavily on consumer qoods that cause considerable damaqe to the environment. JP/jf A/S-18/PV.6 188-190 (r.tr. Al-Ni 'mah, Qatar I Therefore, protection of the environment and preventinQ its pollution from industrialization is of paramount importance to development effort. However, this calls for concerted action by all seqments of the international community. This special session provides an appropriate opportunity for us to qive that question due attention. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the economic situation of a region, specifically the impact of oil prices on the economy, the need for sustainable development, and the importance of environmental protection. It also touches on the relationship between industrialized and developing countries. These themes suggest that the text is more relevant to the fields of economics and environmental protection.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment