United Nations Radio

World leaders on Monday underscored the urgency of finding solutions to the major challenges facing Africa and have renewed pledges to help dramatically reduce poverty on the continent.

In a political declaration at the end of a high-level meeting on Africa's development needs, countries stressed that "eradicating poverty, particularly in Africa is the greatest global challenge facing the world today," and they pledged to mobilize resources to end poverty, hunger and underdevelopment.

They also committed to address the special needs of Africa where, despite considerable improvements, the full and timely achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals remains elusive.

In the declaration countries also underlined that good governance at all levels is essential for sustained economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development.

And they committed to supporting the consolidation of democracy in Africa and assist in the struggle for lasting peace, economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development.

They also recognized the challenges of inadequate infrastructure and industrialization in Africa and the need to substantially increase investments in all forms of infrastructure in accordance with NEPAD- the New Partnership for Africa's Development.

The declaration also highlights number of areas where further efforts are needed, including debt forgiveness, mobilizing resources, tackling HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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