have brouqht about a process of continuous globalization of the world economy, accompanied -even if this sounds like a contradiction -by a stronq trend towards reqionalization and economic integration. At the threshold of the twenty-first century, the world seems to be turninq into a global economy with intricate interconnected machinerv in which everv element has to co-operate harmoniously with all the others to ensure its smooth functioning and increased efficiency, thus strivinq for qlobal economic rationalitv. A properous world economy is unthinkable if one of its constituents is plaqued at the same time by stagnation, POverty and hunqer, which provoke not only social but also political tensions. It is paradoxical that at a time when man has landed on the moon and is reachinq for the stars there still exists, and even deepens, a dramatic development qap characterized by the overabundance and extreme poverty of nations and individual human beinqs. We must embark on efforts to remove this dishonourable imbalance from our world. The proqress of science and technology, as well as the experience and wisdom of mankind, make fulfilment of that noble task possible and within our reach today. In this context we wish to emphasize that those in need, whatever the reason or rather multiplicity of reasons behind their different situations and poor qrowth prospects, should be assisted in their endeavours to adjust and assist themselves in such a manner as to permit the reduction, as far as possible, of the social costs involved, which are hardly acceptable, especially to the more vulnerable stratas of populations. RH/6 A/S-18/PV. 7 25 (Mr~ Makarczvk; Poland) Aiming at overcoming all those global problems, qrpical of the still-polarized world, we should spare no effort to chanqe and improve the institutional structures of our reali tv and our policies out of concern for our common future. A new 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the current state of the world economy, highlighting the contradictions between globalization and regionalization, and the need to address poverty, hunger, and social costs. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation and assistance for those in need, as well as the need to improve institutional structures and policies. This suggests that the text is primarily focused on economic development and humanitarian aid, with a strong emphasis on international cooperation.

**Category**
Economic development, Humanitarian aid and relief