quently high-levei meetings, as envisaged in the Charter. These should review the efforts to facilitate the resolution of current or potential disputes and analyse the prevailing international environment. This would serve to encourage exchanges of views and help to overcome the misconcep- tions and distrust which so often lead to stalemate and conflict. . 97. It is alarming that at a time when global dangers and challenges require maximum international co-operation we find the multilateral approach under the greatest threat. The perception of shared mutual interests and the need for 8 collective responsibility and consensus are being replaced by the promotion of narrow sell-interest, by dogmatism, by the rising tide of ideological crusades and, increasingly, by recourse to coercion. This trend must be reversed if we are to avoid global catastrophe. 98. The United Nations is a centre-piece of international co-operation, providing, as it does, the only framework within which all States can seek to protect and to pursue their interests by dialogue and persuasion. It will be as effective as its Members allow it to be. It would be unfair to lay at the door of the United Nations the blame for all the current world crises. Some of them are caused by deep- seated political realities, attitudes and perceptions. 99. The fond hope of Trinidad and Tobago-and we do not think it Utopian-is to help in some measure to create in the Council the mucilage of goodwill that will bind members together in a spirit of trusting fraternity, thereby rendering unnecessary the search for security by means of military superiority that is as elusive as it is debilitating. 100. We therefore call upon Member States-the power- ful and the vulnerable, the rich and the poor-to rededi- cate themselves to the principles of the Charter and to 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of international cooperation, particularly in the United Nations, to address global challenges and prevent conflicts. It emphasizes the need for dialogue, persuasion, and collective responsibility to overcome misconceptions and distrust. The text does not specifically mention economic development, natural resources, or environmental issues, but it does touch on the idea of collective responsibility and cooperation, which could be related to international trade or economic development. However, the primary focus is on the role of the United Nations in promoting international cooperation and preventing conflicts.

**Category**
International relations, Humanitarian aid and relief