A Cambodian official stressed the vital role of the right to development in promoting global governance at a global human right forum in Beijing on Friday, hailing China’s enormous efforts in this course.
Speaking at the 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance, Kan Pharidh, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, warned that geopolitical tension, unilateralism and economic fragmentation are posing direct challenges to the realization of the right to development, deeply impacting the trust necessary for human progress.
"A shortfall in development remains a fundamental structural obstacle to the full and meaningful enjoyment of human progress and human dignity across the globe," he said.
He reiterated that the right to development is an indispensable and foundational pillar of modern international cooperation and global governance.
"Global governance must remain firmly anchored in the United Nations charter and international rule of law. We reaffirm the principal position that the right to development is in an unalienable human right, under which every human person and all people are inherently entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social and cultural advancement," he said.
"Frameworks must be grounded in respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, through multilateralism, [which] requires strict adherence to the non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and no double standards. We must respect their right of each state to choose its own path for development. National pathway must be determined in accordance with specific national conditions, local context and domestic reality, free from external cohesion," said the Cambodian official.
He voiced Cambodia's willingness to work alongside the rest of the international community to bridge development gaps and foster mutual trust, noting the close alignment between these aspirations and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
"The GGI emphasis on sovereign equality, a people-centered approach, and the pursuit of real results offers a constructive pathway toward a more equitable international order, safeguarding the voice of developing countries like Cambodia in international governance. In conclusion, Cambodia hopes that the GGI will serve as an important mechanism in translating the right to development into tangible outcomes that support the dignity and prosperity of all people, and with no one left behind," he said.
The two-day forum, which opened on Thursday, took place on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development. It focuses on advancing human rights through development and will foster discussions on global human rights governance issues. Over 400 participants from over 100 countries and international organizations, including the U.N., were in attendance.
Cambodian official stresses vital role of right to development in global governance
