A/RES/68/226 Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008–2017) Underlining the priority and urgency given by Heads of State and Government to the eradication of poverty, as expressed in the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields, Recalling the inter-agency system-wide plan of action for poverty eradication involving more than 21 agencies, funds, programmes and regional commissions, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008–2017), under the item entitled “Eradication of poverty and other development issues”; 11 2. Reaffirms that the objective of the Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008–2017) is to support, in an efficient and coordinated manner, the follow-up to the implementation of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, relating to the eradication of poverty and to coordinate international support to that end; 3. Also reaffirms that poverty eradication is the greatest global challenge facing the world today and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, and in this regard commits itself to freeing humanity from poverty and hunger as a matter of urgency; 4. Further reaffirms that each country must take primary responsibility for its own development and that the role of national policies and strategies for the achievement of sustainable development and poverty eradication cannot be overemphasized, and recognizes that increased effective national efforts should be complemented by concrete, effective and supportive international programmes, measures and policies aimed at expanding the development opportunities of developing countries, while taking into account national conditions and ensuring respect for national ownership strategies and sovereignty; 5. Calls upon the international community, including Member States, to urgently take measures to address the root causes of extreme poverty and hunger because of their negative impacts on sustainable development; 6. Emphasizes the need to accord the highest priority to poverty eradication within the United Nations development agenda, while stressing the importance of addressing the causes and challenges of poverty through integrated, coordinated and coherent strategies at the national, intergovernmental and inter-agency levels, in accordance with the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields; 7. Reiterates the need to strengthen the leadership role of the United Nations in promoting international cooperation for development and its role at the regional level, which is critical for the eradication of poverty; 8. Emphasizes that the promotion of regional, subregional and interregional cooperation can have a catalytic impact on poverty eradication efforts and offers many benefits, including the exchange of best policies, experiences and technical expertise, the mobilization of resources and the expansion of economic opportunities and conditions favourable to job creation; 9. Calls upon the international community to continue to accord the highest priority to poverty eradication within the United Nations development agenda, _______________ 11 4/8 A/68/183.