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 and development were adopted by the General Assembly on 22 December. Action on the needs and problems of land-locked developing countries, eliminating the use of coercive economic measures, an international code of conduct on transfer of technology, and the trade embargo against Nicaragua were among topics addressed. A call for more stable market conditions for commodities was made.

On 3 November, the SecretaryGeneral reported (A/44/631) on international monetary issues, calling for more flexible international fiscal policies to offset increased instability of exchange rates of major currencies. A substantial increase in external resources to aid developing countries was also urged. Convertibility of the Soviet rouble and liberalization of Soviet external payments were examined.

Poverty a key concern

Poverty remains "a major issue of concern for many developing countries and the international community", according to an 18 September report of the SecretaryGeneral (A/44/467). The World Bank Development Committee reported a staggering 950 million people-between one fifth and one sixth of the world's population-live in "absolute poverty". Those affected suffer from malnutrition, disease, illiteracy, short life expectancy and high rates of infant mortality. The major challenge to policy makers and multilateral agencies, the document concludes, is increasing the earnings capacity of the poor, to make them "less vulnerable to future crises".