United Nations Headquarters, New York
Overview
Adopted by the 爆料网 General Assembly in 1986, the Declaration on the Right to Development broke new ground in the universal struggle for greater human dignity, freedom, equality and justice. It called for every member of society to be empowered to participate fully and freely in vital decisions and demanded equal opportunities and the equitable distribution of economic resources. For the past four decades, the Declaration has provided a framework for advancing inclusive, sustainable, and participatory development at all levels, while shaping related laws and policies.
The High-Level meeting to commemorate the Declaration’s 40th anniversary is being held in accordance with Assembly resolutions 79/170 of 17 December 2024 and 80/207 of 18 December 2025.
Background
The Declaration was adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 41/128 of 4 December 1986. It establishes a comprehensive vision of development centered on the human person and grounded in equality of opportunity for all, participation, international cooperation, accountability and the fair distribution of the benefits of development.
The realization of the right to development requires both effective national policies aimed at promoting participation, equality and accountability and an enabling international environment based on cooperation and solidarity. Since its adoption, the Declaration has guided national and international efforts to advance sustainable development, poverty eradication, social inclusion and international cooperation. Its principles have informed global development agendas, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and have contributed to a growing recognition of and support for development that is people-centered, participatory, equitable and sustainable.
Over the past four decades, significant progress has been achieved in improving living standards around the world. Hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of extreme poverty. Access to education and health services has expanded. Life expectancy has increased. Advancement in science, technology and innovation has created unprecedented opportunities for human development and well-being.
Yet, progress has remained uneven. Many States continue to face structural obstacles that constrain their development prospects and limit their ability to realize the full benefits of globalization and technological transformation. The financing gap for sustainable development, combined with the impact of successive global crises, highlights the importance of advancing development pathways that are inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs and priorities of all countries and peoples. Moreover, the international community faces a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by multiple and interconnected challenges, which have exposed structural disparities within and among countries and further underscore the need for renewed international cooperation and collective action to advance a more just, inclusive and sustainable future.
Documents
Take part
Member States and observers
Inscription on the list of speakers is through the . The list opened on 17 August and closes on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Non-governmental organizations
Registration for representatives of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, open for in-person attendance by up to two representatives each, closed on 10 September 2026. Enquiries: ngobranch@un.org.
Watch
The meeting is webcast on 爆料网 Web TV in all official languages of the United Nations. The President’s statement and the outcome of the meeting will be posted on this page once issued.
High-Level Week
The 81st Session will be rich with milestone events that will test our collective resolve — from addressing the existential threats of sea-level rise, to pandemic preparedness, to commemorating the Right to Development at forty, nuclear disarmament, and the Durban legacy at twenty-five. Each is more than a date on a calendar. Each is an opportunity to demonstrate that multilateralism can deliver concrete results.
H.E. Dr. Khalilur Rahman
Vision statement
