The 38th floor.

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 history. The transnational communication of peoples' ideas has accelerated exponentially in the last decade. All over the world, and regardless of ideology or education or economic circumstance, people-especially young people-are drawing inspiration from each other and voicing their concerns on a variety of issues. The sheer example of one popular demand becomes, by itself, a new motive force for others in neighbouring or even distant countries to express their wish for a greater share in governance and in the management of economic and social development.

To the Conference on Popular Participation the Process of Recovery and Development in Africa, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, 12 February Our common vulnerability...' The interdependence of nations and the interrelation of issues facing them in the world of today is widely recognized ... We stand at the beginning of a new era in organization and management which must squarely address the global interaction between such diverse elements as food, energy, population, environment and economic activities of all kinds. Our common vulnerability extends from the regional and national levels down to local communities and individuals. Appropriate response strategies and measures will need to take this fully into account ... Out of our collective efforts can emerge a new appreciation of who is our neighbour; a profound awareness that dire poverty and mindless consumerism cannot continue to co-exist without disastrous consequences; and a commitment to constructive and healthy change. To the Preparatory Committee for the 1992

UN Conference on Environment and Development,

New York, 5 March Against repugnant practices...

Few practices are more repugnant to the values cherished by civilized man than those of racial discrimination The United Nations, since its inception, has contributed consistently to the elimination of such practices. It has worked with vigour to support social change to end them in all parts of the world.

On the International Day for the Elimination of

Racial Discrimination, New York, 21 March Remembering Collett and Higgins

At a time when the principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly those which uphold human rights, are increasingly being reaffirmed, the practice of holding innocent people hostage becomes all the more reprehensible ... Our thoughts and prayers go to Alec Collett, to "Rich" Higgins, to their families and to all the innocent people taken captive in Lebanon. It is my fervent hope that the ordeal of the hostages will soon be brought to an end, and that they will be safely reunited with their families.

To a solemn meeting held 23 March by the United Nations Correspondents Association in New York to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the abduction of UN staff member Alec Collett, New York, 23 March