the conclusions concerning the Population Commis­ sion, the regional commissions and UNFPA itself. 12. Mr. ARCE-ROJAS (Colombia) said that initial­ ly the population activities of the United Nations had been limited to the collection of data, training of personnel, publication of research studies, and organ­ ization of seminars and conferences on "population questions". Since the establishment of UNFPA, the activities of the United Nations in the area of population had rapidly increased. The Bucharest Conference in 197 4 had explicitly recognized the close link between economic and social development and population problems. There were countries which, after achieving all their economic develop­ ment objectives, had been unable to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants owing to unman­ ageable increases in population. 13. His delegation was concerned that neither the report of the Secretary-General that the Council had before it (E/1986/l8-N411179) nor the one entitled "In-depth evaluation of the population programme" that he had submitted to the Committee for Pro­ gramme and Co-ordination at its twenty-sixth session (E/ AC.5111986/9) contained all the information which the Council and the General Assembly would wish to have on the evolution of population activi­ ties, particularly, statistics on projected population increases throughout the world. A step could be taken towards the achievement of such basic objectives by monitoring population growth in various parts of the world. 14. United Nations population activities clearly had a positive effect when they involved national programmes that took into account the idiosyncrasies of particular peoples. The great merit of the United Nations had been its respect for all beliefs and opinions on the subject of population, and the fact that it had not forced peoples to accept programmes which they were unwilling to accept. 15. His country strongly supported the activities of UNFPA. Even though the possibility of reducing 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the activities of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the relationship between population growth and economic development. It highlights the importance of understanding population trends and their impact on quality of life, and emphasizes the need for national programs that take into account local beliefs and opinions. The text also mentions the collection of data and statistics on population growth.

**Category**
Health, Economic development