1990s pose challenges; major uncertainties face world economy.

The next decade is likely to be marked by id major uncertainties" resulting from rapid changes in the structures and patterns of the world economy, Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar told the General Assembly on 24 October. The development dialogue has suffered, he declared on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Developing countries "risk remaining on the periphery of the world economy".

Director-General for Development and International Economic Co-operation Antoine Blanca set the tone for debate on a wide range of economic topics in the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) when he said that a new era in multilateralism would not be viable "unless it were underpinned by world-wide economic and social progress, particularly in the developing countries".

William H. Draper III, appointed during the session to another four-year term as Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), said that it was "absolutely imperative" that human goals be fully integrated in development strategies for the 1990s. Development initiatives plentiful

The General Assembly will hold a special session on international economic co-operation from 23 to 27 April 1990. "Challenges of the 1990s", including revitalized economic growth for developing countries, is high on its agenda,

Another major gathering to spur development action is the Second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, set for 3 to 14 September in Paris.

Also in 1990, work will begin on the International Development Strategy for the Fourth UN Development Decade (1991-2000).

The Assembly also proclaimed the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (19901999) and the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa (1991-2000).

Trade and development

Seven resolutions on trade...