address youth employment at all levels. In this regard,we recognize the need for a global strategy on youth and employmentbuilding on the work of the International Labour Organization (ILO).25.We acknowledge that climate change is a cross-cutting and persistentcrisis and express our concern that the scale and gravity of thenegative impacts of climate change affect all countries and underminethe ability of all countries, in particular, developing countries, toachieve sustainable development and the MDGs and threaten theviability and survival of nations. Therefore we underscore thatcombatting climate change requires urgent and ambitious action, inaccordance with the principles and provisions of the UNFCCC.26.States are strongly urged to refrain from promulgating and applyingany unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not inaccordance with international law and the Charter of the UnitedNations that impede the full achievement of economic and socialdevelopment, particularly in developing countries.27.We reiterate our commitment, expressed in the Johannesburg Plan ofImplementation (JPOI), in the World Summit Outcome of 2005 and theMDGs Summit of 2010, to take further effective measures and actions,in conformity with international law, to remove the obstacles to thefull realization of the right of self determination of peoples livingunder colonial and foreign occupation, which continue to adverselyaffect their economic and social development as well as theirenvironment and are incompatible with the dignity and worth of thehuman person and must be combated and eliminated.28.We also reaffirm that in accordance with the Charter of the UnitedNations, this shall not be construed as authorizing or encouragingany action against the territorial integrity or politicalindependence of any State.29.We also resolve to take further effective measures and actions, inconformity with international law, to remove obstacles andconstraints, strengthen support and meet the special needs of peopleliving in areas affected by complex humanitarian emergencies and inareas affected by terrorism.30.We recognize that many people, especially the poor, depend directlyon ecosystems for their livelihoods, their economic, social andphysical well-being, and their cultural heritage. For this reason, itis essential to generate decent jobs and incomes that decreasedisparities in standards of living to better meet peoples needsand promote sustainable livelihoods and practices and the sustainableuse of natural resources and ecosystems.31.We emphasize that sustainable development must be inclusive andpeople-centered, benefiting and involving all people, including youthand children. We recognize that gender equality and womensempowerment are important for sustainable development and our commonfuture. We reaffirm our commitments to ensure womens equal rights,access and opportunities for participation and leadership in theeconomy, society and political decision making.32.We recognize that each country faces specific challenges to achievesustainable development and we underscore the special challengesfacing the most vulnerable countries and in particular Africancountries, least developed countries, landlocked developingcountries, and small island developing States (SIDS) as well as thespecific challenges facing the middle-income countries. Countries insituations of conflict also need special attention.33.We reaffirm our commitment to take urgent and concrete action toaddress the vulnerability of SIDS, including through the sustainedimplementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the FurtherImplementation of the Programme of Action for the SustainableDevelopment of Small Island Developing States and Barbados Programmeof Action, and underscore the urgency of finding additional solutionsto the major challenges facing small island developing States in aconcerted manner