the brotherly people of Namibia on this happy and historic occasion. Let me also seize the opportunity to pay a tribute to the Secretary-General and the staff of the Organization for their invaluable contributions that made this historic moment a reality. This special session of the General Assembly is convened at an exceptional time. It takes place, on the one hand, at a time when we are observing a visible relaxation of tension between East and west, stirring great hope and optimism about a new era of world peace, stability, co-operation and developnent. On the other hand, we also meet at a time when the world economy presents an image of deep contrasts, unevenness and sharp asymmetry -of growth and decline, of new opportunities and worsening problems, and of great hopes and frustrations. The noticeable bifurcation of the world into areas of dynamism and stagnation, growth and retrogression pOses a serious challenge. If allowed to oontinue it generates social conflicts and political instability undermining the newly kindled hope and aspiration for world peace and stability. For us in Africa who have witnessed all but economic disintegration for much of the 1980s, this special session could not have come at a better time. The need for revitalizing or reactivating the engine of growth and thus development is the real issue that must stand at the forefront of the international agenda. We trust that this landmark session will help to renew and strengthen the commitment of the international community to the United Nations ideal of a world in which, as interdependent parts of the whole, we should endeavour to make it a better and livable place. The last decade, compared to the 1960s and the 1970s, has been characterized by declining growth rates; greater instability in foreign exchanges and interest rates and growing economic disparity both between the industrially developed JSM/ad A/S-18/PV. 6 73 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges and opportunities of the current economic situation, highlighting the contrast between areas of growth and stagnation, and emphasizing the need for revitalizing economic growth to achieve development. It also references the United Nations' ideal of a world where countries can work together to create a better and more livable place. These themes suggest that the text is primarily focused on economic development and international cooperation.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade