26 July 1985

52nd plenary meeting

Inclusion of Portuguese among the official working languages of the Economic Commission for Africa

The Economic and Social Council,

Considering the number of States members of the Economic Commission for Africa and the growing numbers of people in those countries that use Portuguese as an official working language,

Noting that basic economic, social and cultural development in any country depends on the transmission of technical and scientific information through the medium of language,

Recognizing that, at various summit meetings in Africa, the question of the Portuguese language has been discussed and has been of concern to the heads of State and Government of five countries that officially use Portuguese,

Realizing that, because of language difficulties, the people of those countries do not derive maximum benefit from the technical assistance, professional training, seminars and other activities that might facilitate their integration into the social and economic programmes being carried out at the subregional and regional levels,

1. Decides that Portuguese should be introduced gradually as an official working language of the Economic Commission for Africa;

2. Requests the General Assembly to make the necessary arrangements to this effect.