Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008–2017) A/RES/69/234 groups, especially in the least developed countries and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Recognizing that rates of economic growth vary among countries and that these differences must be addressed by, among other actions, promoting pro-poor growth and social protection, Recognizing also that corruption at all levels, including the illicit transfer of funds and assets, is an obstacle to development, and stressing the need for the return of such funds and assets to their countries of origin, Concerned at the global nature of poverty and inequality, and underlining the fact that the eradication of poverty and hunger is an ethical, social, political and economic imperative of all humankind, Reaffirming that eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge facing the world today, particularly in Africa, in the least developed countries and in some middle-income countries, and underlining the importance of accelerating sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth and sustainable development, including full, productive employment generation and decent work for all, Reaffirming also that women make significant contributions to the economy, that they are key contributors to the economy and to combating poverty and inequality through both remunerated and unremunerated work at home, in the community and in the workplace and that gender equality and the empowerment of women are critical factors in the eradication of poverty, Recognizing the importance of supporting countries in their efforts to eradicate poverty and promote empowerment of the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including women, children and youth, indigenous peoples, older persons and persons with disabilities, Recognizing also that the difficult socioeconomic conditions that exist in many developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, have contributed to the feminization of poverty, Recognizing further that mobilizing financial resources for development at the national and international levels and the effective use of those resources are central to a global partnership for development in support of the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, Expressing concern that aggregate official development assistance fell in 2012 for the second consecutive year, cognizant of the increase in aggregate official development assistance in 2013, and calling upon those Member States that have made commitments to fulfil their commitments and continue this positive momentum, Acknowledging that South-South cooperation is not a substitute for but rather a complement to North-South cooperation, and recognizing the contributions of South-South and triangular cooperation to the efforts of developing countries to eradicate poverty and pursue sustainable development, Acknowledging also that good governance at the national and international levels and sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth, supported by full employment and decent work for all, rising productivity and a favourable environment, including public and private investment and entrepreneurship, are necessary to eradicate poverty, achieve the internationally agreed development 3/8