the development of international economic relations is lagging behind today' s political realities. From decade to decade we continue to see unequal economic growth as well as a slO'A'ing down of growth. This is felt particularly acutely in the developing countries. In many regions the standard of living of the people at the beginning of this cEcade is no higher than it was in 1980. Technological backwardness has resulted in the inability of manv countries to become more competitive or to integrate themselves into the world economy. Another matter of growing concern to the world community is the threat to the physical environment of mankind. One of the most serious problems facing the participants in world economic relations is still the problem of external indebtedness.* It is our delegation's view that finding a solution to these and many other world economic problems requires a qualitatively new shift forward in the development of international co-operation, adapting it to the new global realities. In this connection, we place great hopes in this special session of the General Assembly. We believe that, on the basis of an all-round, comprehensive analysis of the relevant problems of the world economy, such as underdevelopment, external indebtedness, trade, reform of the monetary and financial system, transfer of technology and preservation of the environment, this special session must work out, on a consensus basis, political recommendations to provide guidance to Governments and specialized international organizations on how to achieve agreed action to solve these problems. The final documents of the special session must become political guidelines for the preparation of an international development strategy *Mr. Makarczyk (Poland), Vice-President, took the Chair. BCT/jg A/S-18/PV. 5 54-55 (Mr. Lipatov, Ukrainian SSR) for the 1990s and must define the directions for the work of such important international forums as the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the state of international economic relations, highlighting issues such as unequal economic growth, external indebtedness, and the need for a new approach to cooperation. It also touches on the impact of these issues on the environment and the need for a comprehensive strategy for international development. Given the focus on economic development, international cooperation, and environmental concerns, it is likely that the text falls under one or more categories related to economic development and environmental issues.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment