to convey to Ambassador souza e Silva our congratulations and our gratitude for the exemplary manner in which he presided over our deliberations at the thirty-ninth session of the General Assembly. As I undertake my duties, it is gratifying for me to know that I can count on the co-operation of all members of the Committee as well as on the valuable experience and competence of the Under-secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, Mr. Jan Martenson, of the under-Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs, Mr. Viacheslav ustinov, and of Mr. Sohrab Kheradi, Secretary of the Committee, and his colleagues in the secretariat. For my part, I am fully aware of the great responsibility thrust on me as I endeavour to follow in the footsteps of my worthy predecessors, the previous Chairmen of the General Assembly's First Committee, who have acquitted themselves of their tasks with great skill and the utmost dedication and impartiality. EMS/3 A/C.l/40/PV.2 3 (The Chairman) This Committee is faced annually with the awesome task of trying to fulfil the expectations of the international community with regard to the vital questions of disarmament and international security. Unfortunately, the record of our achievements has not always measured up to those expectations. Yet this has not been for the want of a genuine effort on our part, but has rather been a reflection of the realities of a world fraught with tension, mutual distrust and insecurity. As we begin our work, therefore, let us approach our task with even greater determination and with political will commensurate with the task, so as to be able to make a real contribution to achieving the goal of a world devoid of the threat of war and of the devastating arms race, and where peace, common security and prosperity will prevail in their stead. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech or statement from a high-level official, likely the Chairman of the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. The language used is formal and diplomatic, and the content focuses on international relations, disarmament, and security. The text does not mention specific economic or social issues, but rather emphasizes the importance of cooperation and political will to achieve a world without war and arms race.

**Category**
International relations, Security