the benefit of all. With a definite movement in that direction, we have today an unprecedented climate in which to translate into reali tv the objective of Pronoting the economic and social advancement of all peoples. JB/17 A/S-18/PV. 7 77 (Mr. Ran a, NePal) Despite the positive developments on the political front, the overall international economic situation continues to be cause for deep concern. While the developed countries have experienced their longest post-Second-World-War economic expansion, the economies of the majority of developing countries continue to stagnate, and in so~m cases have even regressed~ The reason for this state of affairs is clear to us all. Mounting debt burdens and high international interest rates, depressed comnoditv Prices, a growing trjend towards Protectionism and restrictive trade practices, the instability of exchange rates and the reverse flow of resources, coupled with declining official developnent assistance -those are but some of the impediments to the qrml7th of developinq countries. Those countries have borne the brunt of the economic difficulties of the 1980s, and many of them are in the low-growth trap, with 1i ttle prospect of extricating themselves. The current critical economic situation of a large number of countries calls for a Pattern of economic relatiors that would encourage the reactivation and sustained qrCMth of the develoPing countries. The elimination of the debt overhang of the devE~lopinq countries would be an essential steP towards such relations. I wish to take this opprtunity to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his serious efforts in this direction, reflected in the appointment of a senior statesman, Mr. Bettina Craxi, as his Special Representative, with the assignment to submit a detailed report on the solution of the debt crisis. Another major issue of our time is the environment. The ceaseless pursuit of technological development has for decades been disturbing the fragile ecosystem. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on the economic situation of developing countries, highlighting the challenges they face due to debt, interest rates, and trade practices, as well as the need for international cooperation to address these issues. Additionally, it touches on the environmental issue, mentioning the impact of technological development on the ecosystem. Given the emphasis on economic development and international cooperation, it is likely that the text falls under the categories of economic development and international trade.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade