text: without suggesting alternatives to meet his basic needs. There are certainly many possibilities for co-operation in that regard. I think, for example, of the introduction of almost rudimentary techniques to provide renewable energy sources, which can contribute to restoring ecosystems and increasing rainfall in that hard hit part of Africa. Certain developing countries have, in any case, succeeded in mastering such technology, which should be spread far and wide in the context of South-South co-operation. The benefits of scientific and technological progress should go more to the have-nots, whose life expectancy is still low because of the high level of infant mortality, endemic diseases and malnutrition. Here it is worth recalling that jp/ii A/S-18/PV.9 62 (Mr. Cabral, Guinea-Bissau ) certain countries continue to dump foodstuffs into the sea, while famine is still pandemic in third world countries, killing millions of people there. Our work would have no meaning if we simply described the imperfections of the current international economic and financial system. We must go beyond simply stating the facts, however relevant they may be. We cannot conceive of working together other than in a spirit of solidarity and partnership, which presupposes above all a full understanding of the role that each must play. That does not mean that we in the developing countries will shirk our responsibilities, because, clearly, they have been identified and recognized. I must add that a considerable number of third world countries, including Guinea-Bissau, are resolutely committed to implementing rigorous economic and financial measures, whose social cost is proving to be very high. In that connection, in our view structural adjustment is a sedative, not a therapz. Because they are suffering, our peoples have more things to worry about than taking sides in the argument between different schools of thought about the 
analysis: The text discusses the importance of cooperation and solidarity in addressing the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly in Africa. It highlights the need for sustainable solutions to meet basic needs, such as access to renewable energy, food, and healthcare. The text also touches on the issue of structural adjustment and its negative impact on social costs.