especially developing countries, urgently required practical assistance, and a vigorous technical assistance and co-operation programme should be part of any new programme. Studies on crime trends and measures to combat criminality were badly needed, including effective regional and global strategies. The exchange of expertise and experience was extremely important, and the developed countries should help their counterparts in the third world in that regard. Some countries suffered from the negative effects of transnational crimes, such as the dumping of nuclear wastes, which should be halted and made subject to international control. In view of its key importance, crime prevention deserved to rank beside other major governmental and international concerns since it was essential for stable and sustained development: as such, it should be included in development planning and in the mainstream of United Nations activities. 12. It was commendable, some participants noted, that so much had been achieved inspite of the difficulties, and that a considerable impact had been made; it showed what could be accomplished with commitment and hard work. But that did not negate the fact that there existed a considerable imbalance between the workload deriving from the increased mandates, and the limited institutional capacity to fulfil them. There was a wide spectrum of needs that had to be met. The current crime picture showed that corrective action was urgently required. The time for piecemeal remedies had passed. There was agreement that something drastic had to be done to change the situation so as to give the United Nations crime programme its due and permit it to better fulfil its potential in the service of Governments and the international community. There were some differences of opinion as to how that could best be achieved. 13. Many participants called for the elaboration of a convention on crime 
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the issue of crime and its impact on development, highlighting the need for international cooperation and technical assistance to combat criminality. While it touches on the concept of development, it is not primarily concerned with economic development, but rather with the role of crime in hindering development.

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