text: The entire international oommunity rejoices and takes pride that Namibia has at last taken its place in the United Nations as a free, sovereiqn and independent State. The European Community and its member States salute the achievement of the people of Namibia in making this day a reality. We warmly pay tribute to the central role played by the United Nations in the process leading to Namibia's taking its rightful place in the community of nations. The Twelve have over many years expressed our support and solidarity with the people of Namibia. The European Community and its members States hope that in the near future we will be welcoming Namibia as the 69th member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of countries linked to the Community through the Lome Convention. Today, on behalf of the Twelve, I should l_ike to pledge to the JB/2 A/S-18/PV.2 3 {Mr. Collins, Ireland) Government and people of Namibia our friendship and support in the challenging days ahead. The special session takes place against the backdrop of historic change. There is movement away from outnoded political and economic systems. We see a new emphasis placed on individual liberty, initiative and enterprise. Pluralistic societies, democratic institutions, legal systerrs that protect the rights of the individual, and market-oriented economies are now all centre stage in the pursuit of effective means of allowing the full development of the individual. We see clear signs of willingness by many countries to look again at the organization of their societies. Radical structural changes have taken place in economic and political life. A new wind of change is blowing away the old, outdated approaches as the world moves towards the twenty-first century. We have seen that process of change affect countries of very different economic levels of development. In recent years, many developing countries have adopted far-reaching 
analysis: The text appears to be a congratulatory speech by the European Community and its member states on Namibia's admission to the United Nations as a free, sovereign, and independent state. The speech highlights the historical significance of this event and mentions the community's support and solidarity with the Namibian people. The text also touches on the broader theme of global change, emphasizing the shift towards democratic institutions, market-oriented economies, and individual liberty. Given the focus on international relations, politics, and global developments, it is likely that the text is related to the categories of international relations, politics, or governance.