Prosperity through right to development

Voters cast their votes for deputies to the local people's congress in Baokang county, Hubei province, on Oct 10, 2016. [Photo for China Daily]

Editor's note: Officials and experts on human rights studies from across the world spoke at the international seminar to mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development co-sponsored by the State Council Information Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Dec 4-5 in Beijing. Following are excerpts from the speeches of some officials and experts:

An example for other nations

The global context for development has changed significantly in the past decade. Rising inequalities within and between countries, the impacts of climate change, the long-term consequences of the economic and financial crisis, and the burning refugee issues, have impeded the development efforts.

They have resulted in economic shocks and social instability, which have shaped the international agenda and preoccupied policymakers. The root cause of most of these challenges is generally attributed to the lack of inclusive, equitable and sustainable development. The absence of such inclusive development also makes it difficult for societies to secure and sustain peace and security.

Poverty eradication continues to be one of the critical elements in the promotion and realization of the right to development. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions is an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. UN member states pledged that the overarching goal of the UN 2030 Agenda is to leave no one behind, and to reach the farthest behind first. Its success will be measured therefore by the impact of the goals on the lives of the poorest and the most vulnerable.

In this regard, China's experience serves as an example for other countries. It has lifted as many as 700 million people out of poverty since reform and opening-up and made significant advances in healthcare, education, water and sanitation in many areas. China has already made significant advances in the implementation of the agenda and affirmed its determination to lift another 50 million residents living below the current poverty line out of poverty. It has also extended its support to other developing countries in their own efforts to achieve sustainable development.

Wu Hongbo, under-secretary-general of the United Nations