Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to Development - EU Statement

Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to Development - EU Statement

Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to Development

27^h session, 18- 21 May 2026

Item 4.1 General Statements

EU statement

Mr Chair-Rapporteur, Distinguished participants,

The European Union thanks for the opportunity to take the floor.

The right to development is an integral part of the universal human rights framework. It must be realised in full consistency with the universality, indivisibility, interrelation, interdependence, and mutually reinforcing nature of all human rights.

The right to development, like all human rights is universally applicable and should be enjoyed equally by all persons, including women and girls. Likewise, addressing marginalization and discrimination strengthens inclusive and sustainable development.

We are fully committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda, which is our collective, universal, and indivisible roadmap and to the "Compromiso de Sevilla", which renews the global framework for development financing in support of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The EU considers it essential that approaches to the right to development are grounded in international human rights law and reflect the diversity of views expressed by UN Member States.

In the context of increased attacks on the multilateral system and international law, it is of utmost importance that the negotiation process on any potential legally binding instrument in New York is inclusive. Without a broad support, any such instrument could not be effective.

We consider existing human rights treaties, mechanisms and bodies sufficient to address the interlinkages between the right to development and other human rights, and will continue to constructively engage on this topic, despite our concerns regarding efficiency when it comes to proliferation of the debates on the specific right.

Chair,

Working to realise the right to development, the EU and its Member States are fully dedicated to eradicating poverty in all its dimensions, tackling discrimination and inequalities, and ensuring that no one is left behind, both within and beyond the European Union.

Leaving no one behind and fighting inequalities remains at the centre of EU international partnership. The EU supports partner countries in improving business and investment environment, promotes trade facilitation for sustainable development, decent work, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and youth, among others.

The EU remains committed to supporting partner countries in developing resilient economies aligned with the SDG's and through its Global Gateway strategy encourages investment in infrastructure, green energy, health, transport, trade, education and research for sustainable development around the world.

The EU and its Member States are the world's leading provider of official development assistance, accounting for almost half of all global ODA last year, which also demonstrates our dedication to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change and conflict.

The EU Permanent Observer, Ambassador Potzel will participate later today as a panellist at the commemoration of the 40^th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, where she will share in more details EU vision for sustainable development at home and in the EU external action.

We promote full and non-discriminatory realisation of all human rights, including the right to development. The EU stands ready to continue engaging constructively on this important topic.

I thank you.