Commonwealth leaders called for debt relief for poor countries and concerted global action against poverty on in Durban on November 14.

The leaders said in a declaration that the greatest challenge facing the world was channelling the forces of globalization to eliminate poverty and empower human beings to lead fulfilling lives.

"The persistence of poverty and human deprivation diminishes us all," the declaration said.

"It also makes global peace and security fragile, limits the growth of markets, and forces millions to migrate in search of a better life. It constitutes a deep and fundamental structural flaw in the world economy," it said.

Nine of the 54 member states of the Commonwealth -- all in Africa -- are among the 41 states listed by the World Bank as heavily indebted poor countries.

The declaration, read out to the media by the organization's outgoing secretary general Emeka Anyaoku, said the benefits of globalization were not being shared equitably, and the poor were being marginalized.

It called on all countries to implement commitments made during the Uruguay round of World Trade Organization negotiations to dismantle trade barriers, and said the next round should have a pronounced focus on development.

"We also call on the global community to... urgently initiate reform of international financial architecture to minimize financial instability and its impact on the poor.

"We believe that the elimination of poverty is achievable -- but only if we take determined and concerted action at national and international levels," the document said.

It noted that good governance was "key to the expansion of human capabilities", and that the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the pursuit of greater transparency, accountability, the rule of law and eliminating corruption in government and the private sector.