UNGA81 Fiji Reaffirms The Importance of The Declaration on the Right to Development

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka joined other senior officials at the UN High – Level Event Commemorating the 40th Anniversary for the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development.

In his statement to the Plenary, Minister Ditoka emphasized the need to understand development from the context of Small Islands Developing Staes (SIDS) and their special circumstances and unique challenges.

Minister Ditoka further highlighted the need for a people – centered and inclusive approach to national policies and plans and called for an international system that is accommodating to all perspectives and experiences and innovative in addressing the emerging threats and opportunities impacting development today.

• Fiji reaffirms the importance of the Declaration on the Right to Development, which recognizes development as an inalienable human right and places people at the centre of the development process.
• For developing countries and Small Island Developing States, the realization of this right requires meaningful participation, equitable access to opportunities and resources, and strengthened international cooperation to address the structural barriers that continue to constrain sustainable development.