Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti addressed the UN General Assembly on September 24, emphasizing Tunisia's commitment to the right to development as a fundamental human right. He highlighted the importance of this right, which is enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Right to Development adopted 40 years ago. Nafti stressed that this right is inalienable, indivisible, and interlinked with all other human rights.
In his speech, Nafti called for enhanced multilateral cooperation to address structural imbalances hindering fair and sustainable development. He specifically mentioned the challenges of debt crisis, high financing costs, digital divide, unequal access to technology, and weak investment and financing flows to developing countries. The minister also emphasized the need for reforming the international economic and financial governance system to make it more equitable and responsive to the needs of developing nations.
Nafti reiterated that human beings remain at the center of Tunisia's development choices. He presented the country's third voluntary national report on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted the adoption of Tunisia's 2026-2030 development plan. This plan is based on a participatory approach aiming to promote social and economic integration and achieve balanced and equitable development.
The Tunisian minister emphasized that the right of peoples to self-determination is a fundamental condition for exercising the right to development. He reaffirmed Tunisia's solidarity with the Palestinian people's right to development and a decent life. Nafti also recalled Tunisia's consistent support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty and Jerusalem as its capital.
Nafti's speech was part of Tunisia's participation in the UN General Assembly's commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development. The Declaration was adopted by the General Assembly in 1986 and recognizes the right to development as an inalienable human right. Tunisia's commitment to this right reflects its dedication to promoting human rights and sustainable development.
The right to development is closely linked to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Tunisia's efforts to implement these goals and promote sustainable development are crucial for ensuring a better future for its citizens.
Tunisia's participation in the UN General Assembly highlights the country's engagement in international efforts to promote human rights, sustainable development, and cooperation among nations. The country's commitment to the right to development reflects its vision for a more equitable and prosperous world.
Key points
- Tunisia reaffirms its commitment to the right to development as an inalienable human right at the UN General Assembly.
- The right to development is closely linked to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Tunisia calls for enhanced multilateral cooperation to address structural imbalances hindering fair and sustainable development.
