so as to support them in sustaining momentumrealized in implementing the Barbados Programme of Action andMauritius Strategy for Implementation and achieving sustainabledevelopment.34.We reaffirm that the Istanbul Programme of Action for the LeastDeveloped Countries for the Decade 2011-2020 outlines LDCspriorities for sustainable development and defines a framework forrenewed and strengthened global partnership to implement them. Wecommit to assist LDCs with the implementation of the IPOA as well astheir efforts to achieve sustainable development.35.We recognize that more attention should be given to Africa and theimplementation of previously agreed commitments related to itsdevelopment needs that were made at major UN Summits and Conferences.We note that aid to Africa has increased in recent years. However, itstill lags behind on commitments that were previously made. Weunderscore the key priority for the international community ofsupporting Africas sustainable development efforts. In thisregard, we recommit to fully implement the internationally agreedcommitments related to Africas development needs, particularlythose contained in the United Nations Millennium Declaration, theDeclaration on the New Partnership for Africas Development, theMonterrey Consensus of the International Conference on Financing forDevelopment, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the 2005World Summit Outcome as well as the 2008 Political Declaration onAfricas development needs.36.We recognize the serious constraints to achieve sustainabledevelopment in all its three dimensions in landlocked developingcountries. In this regard, we reaffirm our commitment to addressspecial development needs and the challenges faced by landlockeddeveloping countries through the full, timely and effectiveimplementation of the Almaty Programme of Action as contained in theDeclaration on the mid-term review.37.We recognize the progress made by middle-income countries inimproving the well-being of their people, as well as the specificdevelopment challenges they face in their efforts to eradicatepoverty, reduce inequalities, and achieve their development goals,including the MDGs, and to achieve sustainable development in acomprehensive manner integrating the economic, social andenvironmental dimensions. We reiterate that these efforts should beadequately supported by the international community, through variousforms, taking into account the needs and the capacity to mobilizedomestic resources of these countries.38.We recognize the need for broader measures of progress to complementGDP in order to better inform policy decisions, and in this regard,we request the UN Statistical Commission in consultation withrelevant UN System entities and other relevant organizations tolaunch a programme of work in this area building on existinginitiatives.39.We recognize that the planet Earth and its ecosystems are our homeand that Mother Earth is a common expression in a number of countriesand regions and we note that some countries recognize the rights ofnature in the context of the promotion of sustainable development. Weare convinced that in order to achieve a just balance among theeconomic, social and environment needs of present and futuregenerations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature.40.We call for holistic and integrated approaches to sustainabledevelopment which will guide humanity to live in harmony with natureand lead to efforts to restore the health and integrity of theEarth's ecosystem.41.We acknowledge the natural and cultural diversity of the world andrecognize that all cultures and civilizations can contribute tosustainable development.C.Engaging major groups and other stakeholders42.We reaffirm the key role of all levels of government and legislativebodies in promoting sustainable development. We further