Introduction. The United Nations and the second development decade

The United Nations is engaged in formulating an action programme to speed up the economic growth and social progress of the developing countries in the next decade. During the first Development Decade, marked progress was made in identifying problems and in understanding the factors that hold back or distort the development process. Within the United Nations System, the resolutions of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the regional commissions and the specialized agencies have contained ideas, statements and proposals that certainly cover the essential objectives that must be pursued, especially at the international level, to promote development for the two thirds of mankind who lead such a hand-to-mouth existence. Moreover, there have been certain changes for the better in the policies of international agencies, and new bodies—UNCTAD for example—have been established to tackle specifie problems, and have made a decisive contribution to the efforts to identify and understand the problems.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions