global, regional, sub-regional and nationalprocesses to advance sustainable development. We encourage theenhancement of the UN regional commissions and their sub-regionaloffices in their respective capacities to support Member States inimplementing sustainable development.101.We underline the need for more coherent and integrated planning anddecision-making at the national, sub-national and local levels asappropriate and, to this end, we call on countries to strengthennational, sub-national and/or local institutions or relevantmulti-stakeholder bodies and processes, as appropriate, dealing withsustainable development, including to coordinate on matters ofsustainable development and to enable effective integration of thethree dimensions of sustainable development.102.We welcome regional and cross-regional initiatives for sustainabledevelopment, such as the Green Bridge Partnership which is voluntaryand open for participation of all partners.103.We underscore the need to ensure long-term political commitment tosustainable development taking into account national circumstancesand priorities and, in this regard, we encourage all countries toundertake the necessary actions and measures to achieve sustainabledevelopment.V.Framework for action and follow-upA.Thematic areas and cross-sectoral issues104.We recognize that in order to achieve the objective of theConference, namely to secure renewed political commitment forsustainable development, as well as to address the themes of a greeneconomy in the context of sustainable development and povertyeradication and the institutional framework for sustainabledevelopment, we commit to address remaining gaps in theimplementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainabledevelopment, to address new and emerging challenges and to seize newopportunities through the actions enumerated below in this frameworkfor action supported as appropriate through provision of means ofimplementation. We recognize that goals, targets and indicators,including where appropriate gender-sensitive indicators, are valuablein measuring and accelerating progress. We further note that progresswith implementation of the actions stipulated below can be enhancedby voluntarily sharing information, knowledge and experience.Povertyeradication105.We recognize that, three years from the 2015 target date of the MDGs,while there has been progress in reducing poverty in some regions,this progress has been uneven and the number of people living inpoverty in some countries continues to increase, with women andchildren constituting the majority of the most affected groups,especially in least developed countries and particularly in Africa.106.We recognize that sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growthin developing countries is a key requirement for eradicating povertyand hunger and achieving the MDGs. In this regard, we emphasize thatnational efforts of developing countries should be complemented by anenabling environment aimed at expanding development opportunities ofdeveloping countries. We also emphasize the need to accord thehighest priority to poverty eradication within the United Nationsdevelopment agenda, addressing the root causes and challenges ofpoverty through integrated, coordinated and coherent strategies atall levels.107.We recognize that promoting universal access to social services canmake an important contribution to consolidating and achievingdevelopment gains. Social protection systems that address and reduceinequality and social exclusion are essential for eradicating povertyand advancing the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Inthis regard, we strongly encourage initiatives aimed at enhancingsocial protection for all people.Foodsecurity and nutrition and sustainable agriculture108.We reaffirm our commitments regarding the right of everyone to haveaccess to safe, sufficient and nutritious food, consistent with theright to adequate food and the fundamental right of everyone to befree from hunger. We acknowledge that food security and nutrition hasbecome a pressing