The 38th floor.

• Position: Excerpts from statements by UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar made between 1 January and 31 March 1990

This forum is being held at a time of radical change and an improved political climate. The relationship between the major Power blocs is no longer one of studied hostility. Their policies are no longer bent and warped by the crushing weight of frozen fears and chronic suspicion. The principle that each nation has the inalienable right to choose its political and economic system is being accorded full respect in Europe. This gratifying change can be rightlv ascribed to the working of myriad forces in international life-political, economic and psychological. Not the least among them, however, are the vision and the new thinking articulated with clarity and courage by the leadership of the Soviet Union. The historic moment at which we stand has, I hope, brought to all concerned a clearer realization of what security actually implies. The recognition that polarization at the global level was a formula for constant insecurity should mark the beginning and not the end of the process of building genuine, stable peace. The crucial role of women ... This year, as we celebrate International Women's Day on the theme of "Women and the environment", there is a new awareness of the crucial part women can and do play in the global community: their critical role in the family, their economic contribution to agriculture and industry, and their creative and practical achievements in the realms of enterprise, science and the arts. Women are also increasingly in the vanguard in espousing issues of national and international concern. Their contribution towards enhancing awareness of the threat posed to our planet by'

the degradation of the environment is but one example. While significant progress is being made, especially in terms of the increased recognition of the role of women, their potential for active participation in society has not yet been fully realized. In industrialized countries, women all too often play multiple roles with little or no adequate support services, such as childcare, and with limited share in political decisionmaking. In developing countries, the contribution of women needs to be far more closely integrated into national development strategies. On this International Women's Day, let us renew our commitment to the advancement of women and redouble our efforts to transform our commitment into reality.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, 8 March By popular demand ...

You convene at an extraordinary moment in contemporary...