areas of concern to developing countries would be attached high priority in the process of the negotiations and that these o:>untries would not be expected to make concessions that are inconsistent with their developnent needs. There is also an incipient danger of the· regionalization and vivisection of world trade. It is vitally important that regional trade groupings among developed countries emerging in different parts of the world do not acquire a discriminatory character and become "fortresses" to those falling outside the groupings. No attempt should be nade to find solutions based on a freezing of the level and pattern of developnent in developing countries. Through the best part of the 1980s, there was a retreat from that bilateralism and multilateralism. In that process, the role of the United Nations in undertaking negotiations on economic issues of vital concern to humankind was seriously undermined. Though, in the context of the new detente, the United Nations role in the :i;:olitical and security sector has been revived, major developed countries have shown no disposition to entrust to the United Nations its legitimate responsibility in the economic field. It is therefore essential to put developnent issues back on the agenda of the United Nations as a foremost priority. Let this special session nark a turning-point in this regard. BSH/jh A/S-18/PV. 2 86 (Mr. Gujral, India) The Indian delegation sees the special session as an opportunity to broaden international understanding and strengthen ITUltilateral co-operation in the economic sphere in full awareness that peace itself will be endangered unless growing disparities are redressed within the context and spirit of our interdependence. Growth and development should be the centre-piece of this co-operation. Let us therefore resolve to break out of the present no-growth and low-growth syndrome and aim at qualitatively higher levels of growth for all the 
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the importance of prioritizing economic development and international cooperation, particularly between developed and developing countries. It highlights the need to address disparities in growth and development, and to avoid discriminatory trade practices. The text also touches on the role of the United Nations in promoting economic development and cooperation.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade