UN General Assembly
1966

75. Just as the war in Viet-Nam endangers international peace in general and overshadows all aspects of international life, it also prevents us in this Organization and the specialized agencies from developing any real and effective co-operation that would be necessary for the sake of solving the urgent problems of the "third world". The great majority of the present generation of mankind is living in countries of the developing world afflicted with the tragic heritage of the colonial era, with struggles against the remnants of the colonial system, against the penetration of neocolonialism and for the safeguarding of independence. Even if the dangers of a major war emerging from the situation in South-East Asia can be overcome — and we have to hope so — the destiny of the whole world, not only that of the developing countries, hinges on whether real international co-operation will be able to solve their vital problems by doing away with the vestiges of colonialism, the dangers of neo-colonialism and racial oppression, and by securing their well- established economic and political independence. For years to come this will be a major and pressing issue in international gatherings, mainly in this Organization. If real and effective international co-operation does not come about for this end, the accumulation of the problems of the "third world" will lead to incalculable conflicts and will inflict much harm on the economic life of the whole world, or could even undermine it.