to be the focal point for specific action at the global level in favour of IDCs and to act as a catalyst in that regard as called upon by resolution 43/189. Apart from organizing and facilitating the cross-regional interchange of information and experience in full co-operation with regional organizations, that unit of UNCTAD could embark on a study of the problem of definition of IDCs. UNCTAD could on its own or with the assistance of an ad hoc sub-committee or working group, collate the academic and other studies published so far on the subject. He also mentioned that UNDP had recently come out with a Human Development Index which was already a step in the right direction. He wished to propose that in the case of IDCs a composite index be constructed to represent "vulnerability" in its multi-faceted form. Another useful exercise would be for UNCTAD to compile and to disseminate on a regular basis a list of projects, programmes, conferences and other activities being organized by various international and intergovernmental organizations for IDCs. He also referred to the question of transfer of technology and said that IDCs could be instrumental in bridging the gap between donors and recipients for technology adaptation. In concluding, he stated that he was pleased to learn from highly industrialized nations that the resources needed to assist Eastern European countries would not reduce resources made available to developing countries and would like to see such donors use their creativity and resourcefulness to assist IDCs as well. He hoped that rendering IDCs a little more viable and a little less vulnerable could make this interdependent world a better place for both developed and developing countries alike. A/CONF.147/5 TD/B/AC.46/4 page 11 27. The representative of Samoa stated that South Pacific IDCs shared problems common to most IDCs. Some of those problems were small populations; 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the development of IDCs (Island Developing Countries) and the role of UNCTAD in promoting their development. It touches on issues such as technology transfer, vulnerability, and resource allocation. The text also mentions the Human Development Index and the need for a composite index to represent the multi-faceted nature of IDCs' vulnerability.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade