The international community should, therefore, promote the emergence of a new development paradigm whose pillars are growth, stability and equity and which would facilitate the integration of developing countries into a more equitable global economy, with special attention being paid to the needs of the weakest members of the international community. Reversing the dire situation in these countries requires collective commitment and shared responsibility. All countries, developed and developing alike, should contribute to the new development paradigm through the implementation of national and international policies and measures, particularly those identified in the Bangkok Plan of Action. At the national level, Governments should put in place policy and institutional frameworks conducive to the promotion of equitable, people-centred development. In this regard, the development of the requisite skills to benefit from new, knowledge-based processes should be a priority.
Individual countries own efforts, though vital, are insufficient.
Intensified international cooperation, especially in the areas of trade, finance and access to technology and know-how, is also essential. A prerequisite for a prosperous, peaceful and secure world is true partnership based on solidarity and dialogue. In this perspective, mechanisms for regional and subregional integration have the overall effect of strengthening the multilateral trading system and constitute an important tool for development and for the integration of countries into the global economy. Renewed efforts should be made to support and enhance the effectiveness of these mechanisms. On a broader front, meaningful partnership requires more inclusive and democratic institutional arrangements for international economic decision-making which would ensure that the benefits of globalization are accessible to all on an equitable basis.