28 July 1989

37th plenary meeting

Relationship between economic and social factors in development

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 40/179 of 17 December 1985 on patterns of consumption,

Having considered the World Economic Survey, 1989 and the views expressed during the general discussion of international economic and social policy, including regional and sectoral developments, at its second regular session of 1989,

Concerned by the worsening economic situation of many developing countries, including a significant decline in living conditions, the persistence and increase of widespread poverty in a large number of countries and the decrease of the main economic and social indicators in those countries,

Aware of the close relationship between economic and social factors in the development process, and convinced of the need for an integrated approach to development,

1. Decides that at its organizational session for 1990 the Council shall recommend the modalities by which it will address the relationship between economic and social factors in the growth and development process, taking into account the balanced treatment that should be given to those factors;

2. Requests the Secretary-General, drawing upon the expertise of the competent organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system, to include in the World Economic Survey a separate chapter containing an in-depth review of the relationship between economic and social factors and an analysis of the impact of the world economic situation, including external indebtedness and other important problems in the areas of trade, finance and income, on the social situation of the developing countries.