to play in that process. We are prepared to participate in those mechanisms. The recommendations worked out within their framework should correspond to the long-term national priori ties of recipient countries and should take into account the need to improve the situation of their populations. The debt problem, as well as the problems of slumping comiiPdi ty prices, interest rates and currency fluctuations, and the growing trade protectionism remain to a large extent beyond the control of developing countries, although it is in the third world that they are felt most painfully. Today' s reali. ties are such that we cannot hope to solve any of those problems separately from the others. The information and technological revolution, while opening unique prospects for the development of civilization, at the same time widens the gap between the advanced economies and a large group of nations with JB/6 A/S-18/PV. 3 22 (Mr. Obminsky, USSR) traditional industrial and even pre-industrial modes of production. Many of these, and particularly the least developed countries, are in a deep economic crisis that they are barely able to cope with alone. We should not allow them to be pushed out of the world economy. That situation is further aggravated by the demographic aspect. It is estimated that the developing regions, where more than 1 billion people are already living in poverty, will experience more than 90 per cent of our planet's expected population growth by the end of the century. In order to meet the demographic challenge, we need to solve an intricate web of ethnic, economic, cultural, religious and other problems, which is hardly possible without mobilizing the entire potential of the United Nations system. The revolution in information and technology creates a qualitatively new basis for co-operation in the field of environmental protection. There is a need to 
**Analysis**
The text discusses various challenges faced by developing countries, including economic crisis, debt problems, and demographic issues. It also mentions the importance of international cooperation and the role of the United Nations system in addressing these challenges. The text highlights the need for a holistic approach to development, taking into account multiple factors such as economic, cultural, and environmental issues.

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