As the new year begins, the world is undergoing vast changes, the magnitude, ideas involved and pace of which have rarely been experienced in the course of history. The dissolution of the USSR and subsequent demise of the cold war, have been the source of the economic deterioration affecting so many of us, the arms race, and deprived of its raison d"étre. The possibility of investing enormous amounts of capital to consolidate a climate of permanent peace seems to finally have become a reality. Individual welfare, education, health-care and environmental protection will be just some of the many challenges facing us in the new year. Individual liberty and human rights will prevail over state domination. Individual participation in governmental decisions is also a sign of the times. The goal of placing authority at the service of human beings, rather than viceversa, is becoming increasingly evident. The change brought about in the United States through the elevation of a new generation to the echelons of federal government reveals the deep desire of its people to leave economic crisis and racial discrimination behind. The changes promoted in Canada show a marked tendency toward greater respect for plurality. In the countries of the former Soviet Union, the process of change faces the challenge of affirming individual liberty while generating overall progress, as opposed to stockpiling nuclear weapons. The greatest aspiration of social justice, the redistribution of wealth, is a policy which in economic and cultural terms, will lead us to a more egalitarian society. The 1992 Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to Guatemalan Rigoberta Menchú is of great significance, promising positive projections into the 21st century. This award has drawn international attention to the importance of minority cultures, so frequently oppressed and despised. To commemorate the celebration of the Quincentennial of Columbus " voyage, Juan Pellicer eloquently stresses the "discoveries" given to the world by the American continent. One such discovery is the Tlatelolco Treaty, which condemns the use of atomic power for destruction, advocating its peaceful implementation. The UNAM celebrated its fortieth anniversary at University City, a new home built with the collaboration of the most outstanding architects, engineers, workers and artists. This common effort provided Mexico with one of its most beautiful universities. Some of the murals decorating its facades, the work of eminent artists whose fame is now worldwide, have been reproduced in this issue. International concern regarding the urgency of environmental protection has been reflected in Mexico by several measures. Fernando Ortiz Monasterio, General Director of the Universe 21 Foundation, mentions some of the work already carried out, as well as other projects planned for the future. Aside from specific clean-up programs, education must begin at an early age to instill students with a true respect for ecology. Archaeology has always been a part of Voices of Mexico, this issue focuses on one of the greatest legacies of pre-Hispanic civilization: Teotihuacan. The Rufino Tamayo Museum, created by the donation of the artist"s personal art collection to the people of Mexico, is also included. Helmut Schmidt explains his ideas regarding the advent of a new order based on the achievement of justice, through the participation and effort of all the nations of the world. The importance of strengthening world organization is therefore a key point. The United Nations is a forum where large and small nations alike may participate in the solution of conflicts, in an atmosphere of equality, without resorting to force. The profound changes of this fin de siècle promises a period of general, cultural and economic progress in which everyone should participate