an important political and more effective co-ordinatinq role in emergency relief operations, especially in Africa. I have outlined imPOrtant challenqes of the 1990s that will shape international co-operation. They will be affected by the triad of disarmament, environment and development. On its way to unity and as a united country, Germany will make its contributicn to that triple challenge. Mr. ISHII (Japan): On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, ~ I should like first to offer you, Sir, my sincere conqratulations on your election as President of the eighteenth special session of the United Nations General Assembly. I should also like to extend a most hearty welcome to the new State of Namibia, which has become the 160th Member of this international Orqanization. It gives ne great pleasure to note that the independence of Namibia was finally achieved through peaceful means with the support of the United Nations, and I feel proud that Japan also oontributed, through the United Nations, to the birth of this new nation. We are gathered here for a special session en the world economy for the first time in a decade, the last having been the eleventh special session in 1980. When we, the nations of the world, met here at the United Nations a decade aqo, we were faced with various difficulties, such as sharply rising energy prices, recession, and growing unemployment and poverty in developing countries. After determined and patient negotiations, we adopted the substance of the International Development Strategy for the third United Nations Development Decade. During the 10 years since then, however, the world economy has undergone qreat structural changes and has become even nore interdependent. The developed JB/10 A/S-18/PV. 2 42 (Mr. Ishii, Japan) countries, emergirg from the ener9'1 crisis and stagflation by means of individual 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech or statement made by a high-ranking official, likely from the United Nations, discussing international cooperation and the challenges faced by the world economy. The speaker mentions disarmament, environment, and development, which suggests a focus on broader global issues rather than a specific sector or industry.

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