The first is that external assistance will have the intended effect only if sufficient domestic policies are in place. A sound economic policy, conducive to the stimulation of market forces and the creation of room for private entrepreneurship, is thus a fundamental requirenent for a sustained growth strategy. Furthermore, in an increasingly interdependent and constantly changing world, national policies cannot be static. There is a need for continuing structural adjustment efforts in national development strategies. The second point is that there is a vi tal link between effective and equitable economic systems on the one hand and open, democratic political systems on the other. The release of human potentials is indeed both the goal and the means of dev·elopnent. Stimulatinq the productive enerqies of People, encouraginQ broader participation of all in the development Process and ensurinq a more equitable sharing of the benefits are central elements in this regard. ParticiPatory development implies more democracy, free flows of information, a greater role for local decision-making and self-qovernment and for the non-governmental organizations. and respect of human rights, including effective and accessible legal systems. It also implies concrete efforts focusing on alleviatinQ poverty and on activating and fully utilizinq the development 'P)tential of women as one of the most important means of recreating economic growth. BCT/ASW A/S-18/PV.8 83 (Mr. Mortensen, Denmark) The third point is that short-term development plans and strategies must always be seen as part of longer-term effort~,, which must be environmentally sound and sustainable. There is a clear need for ef:fective policies to protect the environment and the national resource base. In this context, concrete efforts should be made to address the interrelated iss1ues of environmental degradation, poverty and unsustainably high population-growth rates. Environmental concerns therefore must be integrated into the development planning and decision-making 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of domestic policies, economic systems, and sustainable development in achieving growth and development. It highlights the need for structural adjustment, participation of all in the development process, and the integration of environmental concerns into development planning. These themes suggest that the text is primarily focused on economic development and its relationship with environmental sustainability.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment