UN General Assembly
1982

world's many problems by adhering strictly to the Charter of the United Nations. 39. The world today presents a bleak picture. It is becoming increasingly difficult to remain optimistic about the future. Grave conflicts have continued to take place in many parts of the world in the period that has elapsed since the thirty-sixth session. The threat remains that local and regional conflicts will escalate to the global level. The world is in the grip of the worst economic recession in decades. All nations, and in particular the developing countries, risk jeopardizing the hard-won achievements made through international co-operation. Fundamental human rights are being increasingly violated in many parts of the world. This combination of challenges which the international community is facing today calls for determined action and constructive co-operation. The situation requires something more—and something other—than each nation working to solve its own problems. Wisdom and statesmanship are required if we are to meet these challenges. We must admit that interdependence inescapably characterizes the world today. We must learn, as the Secretary-General so rightly puts it in his