III. General Thoughts

65. The issues referred to herein are not meant to be exhaustive or exclusively of interest to the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean as regards the subject of development. At the same time, these issues do not present the full range of UNCTAD’s possibilities for current and potential actions. Instead, these issues are presented in order to stimulate initiatives and ideas, promote debates and analyses, and emphasize some points of view and priorities based on the experience of the SELA Permanent Secretariat.

66. Thinking beyond the scope of UNCTAD’s future work programme (both broad and detailed), the essential matter is the institution’s capacity to convey an idée-force among the international community by carrying out specific activities. UNCTAD should not be viewed only as an instrument for cooperation or analysis, but also as a means for the dissemination of ideas; the formulation of the "positive agenda" referred to at the beginning of this document will require that this function be consolidated and that the developing countries manifest political support.

67. To this end, it is important that UNCTAD’s actions achieve tangible and immediate results for developing countries. These actions should therefore include: (i) analyses of current and possible issues on the international economic agenda from the viewpoint of developing countries, as well as proposals for multilateral agreements or new initiatives at economic fora, with a multidisciplinary focus; and (ii) assistance in preparing proposals of developing countries, not only in the WTO but also at other international economic fora, particularly financial institutions.

68. Without wanting to be utopian, new ideas might be incorporated into international economic relations within less time than seems imaginable today. These relations should essentially be based on guidelines leading, in a positive manner, to globalization coupled with development. Much in the same way that we daily witness changes that surpass even the most far-fetched predictions, we cannot discard the possibility of formulating principles and policies that see sustainable human development and growth as complementary rather than contradictory.; that harmonize solidarity with competition; that establish constructive inter-relations between the areas of trade, money and finance; that define codes of conduct for governments and enterprises alike; that show respect for both equity and diversity; and that support governance in the States and in the operation of the global system. These elements could well be integrated into new development models and hence, also become part of a new positive agenda. This should promptly be transformed into viable and practicable mechanisms. UNCTAD has an important role to play in this process.

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