On September 23, Morocco urged the international community to give concrete meaning to the right to development, 40 years after the adoption of the UN declaration on the matter. Speaking at a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized the need for collective action to address key challenges, including financing for development, reducing inequalities, and access to technology and artificial intelligence.
The high-level meeting commemorated the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Declaration, which defines the right to development as an inalienable human right. The Declaration places the participation of individuals and peoples at the center of the development process. Bourita called for a more robust approach to development, focusing on national capacity building and country ownership of development policies.
Bourita highlighted the need for concrete commitments on financing for development, which he described as an investment in long-term stability and prosperity. He also stressed the importance of using indicators that take into account national contexts and strengthening UN system support. Many countries still face significant financing constraints, which remain a major obstacle to achieving development goals.
The Moroccan Foreign Minister also emphasized the need to address the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology, data, and artificial intelligence. He called for reducing inequalities in access to these technologies and promoting African participation in the governance of new technologies.
Bourita advocated for a greater role for Africa in international development policies, based on partnerships grounded in solidarity and mobilization of financing. He reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to South-South cooperation and reiterated the approach championed by King Mohammed VI, which prioritizes human dignity, equity, social and territorial justice, and equal opportunities.
The right to development must be a global framework for action, bringing together all stakeholders and prioritizing human dignity in development and cooperation policies. Bourita concluded by emphasizing the need for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development for all.
The meeting was attended by high-level officials, who discussed ways to accelerate the implementation of the right to development. The outcome of the meeting is expected to contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote development and cooperation globally.
Key points
- Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita called for concrete steps to implement the right to development at a high-level UN meeting.
- The right to development was declared an inalienable human right 40 years ago, but its implementation remains a challenge.
- Morocco advocates for a greater role for Africa in international development policies and partnerships.
