Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for early adoption of the International Covenant on the Right to Development.
Speaking at a high-level UN meeting, he stressed that people deserve opportunities to build better futures.
The meeting in New York marked the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development. The declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1986.
Shehbaz Highlights Human Dignity in Development
The prime minister said the declaration had placed people at the centre of development four decades ago. He described development as an inalienable right of people.
According to Shehbaz, economic progress should not focus only on creating wealth. Instead, it should also promote social development and protect human dignity.
However, he said developing countries now face serious obstacles to achieving that goal. Shrinking fiscal space and limited resources are increasingly affecting human development.
He also highlighted the impact of climate disasters on development gains. Meanwhile, technological inequalities could deepen existing divisions in the emerging digital era.
Shehbaz stressed that a right cannot become reality when people lack the means to exercise it. Therefore, he called for a more proactive approach to development.
Pakistan Highlights Its Development Priorities
The prime minister also outlined Pakistan’s approach to economic and social development. He said the country was pursuing a homegrown economic transformation plan.
The plan focuses on increasing exports and embracing digital technologies. It also includes climate action, stronger energy infrastructure, equity and empowerment.
Shehbaz said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor complemented these development priorities. He presented the initiative as part of Pakistan’s broader development agenda.
PM Calls for Action on Debt and Climate Challenges
Beyond national efforts, Shehbaz called for greater attention to the debt difficulties facing developing countries. He described the situation as a debt trap.
He also urged reforms to the international financial architecture. According to the prime minister, developing countries need greater access to concessional financing.
He further called for support for climate adaptation and loss and damage. In addition, he highlighted the need to bridge the digital and artificial intelligence divide.
Pakistan Backs Early Adoption of Covenant
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for early adoption of the International Covenant on the Right to Development.
The UN meeting itself focused on marking four decades since the declaration. The UN says the anniversary provides an opportunity to reaffirm the right to development amid current global challenges.
The prime minister said development should ultimately benefit humanity collectively. He expressed hope that the anniversary would help move the international community from declaration towards action.
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