United Nations Headquarters, New York
Overview
Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1986, the broke new ground in the universal struggle for greater human dignity, freedom, equality and justice. It called for every member of society to be empowered to participate fully and freely in vital decisions and demanded equal opportunities and the equitable distribution of economic resources. For the past four decades, the Declaration has provided a framework for advancing inclusive, sustainable and participatory development at all levels, while shaping related laws and policies.
The High-level Meeting to commemorate the Declaration’s 40th anniversary is being held in accordance with Assembly resolutions of 17 December 2024 and of 18 December 2025.
Background
The Declaration on the Right to Development proclaims that the right to development is an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized.
Since its adoption, the Declaration has guided national and international efforts to advance sustainable development, poverty eradication, social inclusion and international cooperation. While the last four decades have seen significant progress in improving living standards, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of extreme poverty and expanding access to education and health care, progress remains uneven. Many States face structural obstacles that constrain their development prospects, along with a persistent global funding gap.
The 40th anniversary of the Declaration presents a unique opportunity to reaffirm the right to development as a central framework for addressing contemporary global challenges and advancing a more inclusive, sustainable and equitable future for all.
Documents
Take part
Member States and observers
Inscription on the list of speakers is through the . The list opened on 17 August and closes on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Non-governmental organizations
Registration for representatives of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, open for in-person attendance by up to two representatives each, closed on 10 September 2026. Enquiries: ngobranch@un.org.
Watch
The meeting is webcast on UN Web TV in all official languages of the United Nations. The President’s statement and the outcome of the meeting will be posted on this page once issued.
High-Level Week
The 81st Session will be rich with milestone events that will test our collective resolve — from addressing the existential threats of sea-level rise, to pandemic preparedness, to commemorating the Right to Development at forty, nuclear disarmament, and the Durban legacy at twenty-five. Each is more than a date on a calendar. Each is an opportunity to demonstrate that multilateralism can deliver concrete results.
H.E. Dr. Khalilur Rahman
Vision statement
