countries. The most notable outcome of those efforts were riots and unrest, since the efforts adversely affected the most basic needs of the poor, thus aggravating their living conditions and causing a further deterioration in the living standards in most developing countries compared to what they had been in the 1960s and the 1970s. On the other hand, the curtain dropped on the 1980s with ag toundi ng, historic developments -developments that the world continues to witness. Most noteworthy was the detente and the new spirit of co-operation between the two super-Powers and the two camps they lead, and the resulting winds of change that are beginning to BCT/td A/S-18/PV. 4 29-30 (Mr. Al-Sabah, Kuwait) blow, transforminq in their course previous economic and political perceptions. Consequently, we are witnessinq a diminution of the threat of nuclear annihilation and a deceleration in the arms race and its negative effects on development • However, driven by our historical responsibility for the well-beinq and security of humani tv, we hope and demand that this positive trend will not lead to the intensification of other forms of rivalry between countries, in which economic spheres will be the battleground, at the expense of the developinq countries' strategic interests. Per haps one of the foremost issues that ooncern all circles interested in the economic conditions of the developing countries is the negative transfer of resources from countries of the South to those of the North. This is an issue that places this special session before a crucial test and imposes on it a major responsibility for correctinq this unacceptable situation. .JB/8 A/S-18/PV. 4 31 (Mr. Al-Sabah, Kuwait) The World Bank's latest annual report reveals that the developinq countries transferred $50 billion to the developed countries in 1988, $12 billion nore than in 1987. The report concludes that the situation highlights the urgent need for 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic situation of developing countries, highlighting the negative effects of previous economic policies and the need for a change in the way resources are transferred between countries. It also mentions the decline of the threat of nuclear annihilation and the arms race, which suggests a broader context of international relations. The text does not focus on specific sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fishing, nor does it discuss humanitarian aid and relief, health, education, employment, or culture. It seems to be more concerned with the macroeconomic and international aspects of development.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade