UN General Assembly
1969

93. In summing up the achievements of the United Nations over many years on the eve of its twenty-fifth anniversary, we should not forget that everyday, often unspectacular, but none the less important fields of its activity which seldom reach the front pages of the world press. It is true that the efforts made in the economic field are inadequate in relation to the magnitude of the needs. Nevertheless, if it were not for the useful work done by the United Nations specialized agencies and experts, the situation in many developing countries of the world would be more difficult. One cannot fail to mention the Organization’s achievements in the field of social progress and respect for human rights, and also in the codification of international law and the resolutions of the United Nations, which define the norms of coexistence of States and their mutual relations. Nor can we forget the assistance given by the United Nations to colonial countries and peoples in their struggle to free themselves from their age-old state of dependence.