George Herbert Walker Bush

“ Today we know that, with the building of consensus and cooperation among its members, the United Nations can meet serious and sudden challenges to international peace. However, universal respect for human rights, as well as the long-term social and economic development of nations, are Charter aims that go hand in hand with the larger goal of lasting world peace. Thus the United Nations and its specialized agencies must continue working to overcome repression, poverty, illiteracy, and other persistent barriers to human freedom and progress. ”

“ The United States will also continue to support global environmental protection efforts through the United Nations. Established in 1972, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has an important role to play as humankind strives to reconcile legitimate needs for economic development with the need to preserve our planet's fragile ecosystem. ”

“ During the past two decades, UNEP has been collecting widely sought information on the most effective means of conducting environmental impact assessments. As we prepare for the 1992 Conference on Environment and Development, UNEP should continue to serve as a central forum for the study and development of related policies and programs. ”