The General AssemblY is meetinq for the fourth time in 17 years in special session to discuss international economic co-operation. Despite what has been said about the imPortance of this event, it must be noted that in general political questions have had the ascendancy over economic questions, at least in the Assemblv. That may flatter the dogmatism of our partners, but it in no way serves the interests of the third world, which has always wanted to give the United Nations the main role in pronntinq development. Further, it is clear that the new international economic order, an idea which was launched in a climate of hope and enthusiasm, now has fewer and fewer followers. Some find refuge in the crisis; others advance the Pr imacv of national interests~ still others resort to the pretext of parallel events to advocate integration, pure and simple, into the so-called system of the renewed free market. Finally, situations are so different, not to say ill-defined, that it is virtually imp:>ssible to be sure of a sound and objective dialogue. We must conclude that, first, the special session, which should have been Planned to launch new global negotiations in the framework of the establishment of the new economic order, has lost its significance. We shall alwavs need international co-operation. Our Priority continues to be the revitalization of the growth and development of our countries and -needles; to sav -within them. Before we speak of consensus, we need to know whether our partners have the same feelings as we have about the two themes of the session and whether the words that we use -co-operation, revitalization, growth and development -have the same meaning in the liqht of the facts and of values that, if not identical, should at least be comJl;lrable. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the international economic cooperation and the significance of the General Assembly's special session on this topic. The author highlights the lack of progress in achieving the new international economic order and the dominance of national interests over international cooperation. The text also touches on the need for revitalization of growth and development in countries and the importance of shared values and meanings in international dialogue.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development