The United Nations is appropriately placed to inspire and co-ordinate this collective effort. Ongoing processes, such as the elaboration of the new international development strategy, the final phases of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations, and the preparations for the 1992 Conference on BHS/td A/S-18/PV. 3 63 (Mr. Dookeran, Trinidad and Tobago) Environment and Development, should all benefit from clear political signals emanating from this special session. We must now define, with a full confluence of political will, the main canons for the promotion of international economic co-operation for the revitalization of growth and development in the countries of the South. Mr. VRAAISEN (Norway): I should like to start by sharing the joy of previous speakers in welcoming independent, democratic, majority ruled Namibia as the 160th Member of the Organization. My delegation is certainly looking forward to working closely with the delegation of Namibia. In the period of about 15 months which has passed since the General Assembly decided to convene this special session, -considerable changes have taken place in the world and in international relations. These changes are of such scope and character that it does indeed seem like a very propitious moment to seek to lay a new political foundation for global economic co-operation and to give new impetus to the economic dialogue in the United Nations and other global economic forums. Democratization and reform have taken place in Eastern and Central Europe on a very broad basis and at a breath-taking pace. Coupled with the political changes are fundamental economic reforms which still are at the initial stages but which aim at the improved mobilization of both human and natural resources. According to stated intentions, they also aim at bringing the Eastern European countries more 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the United Nations' role in promoting international economic cooperation and development, mentioning specific processes such as the elaboration of a new international development strategy and the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. The text also touches on the democratization and economic reforms in Eastern and Central Europe, which aim to improve the mobilization of human and natural resources. These themes suggest that the text is primarily focused on economic development and international trade.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade