Mr. President,

1.The importance of development in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development cannot be overstated. The objective of SDGs was to produce a set of universal goals that meet the urgent environmental, political and economic challenges facing the world. It is no doubt that full implementation of SDGs would lead to enjoyment of rights by all people. Focus on eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity is an essential component for the SDGs. We agree that the process of development needs to be nationally owned and driven by national needs and priorities. However, it needs to be complemented by equitable economic relations and a favorable economic environment at the international level. 

2. In this regard, the resolution under consideration highlights these key points such as the important role of sustainable development in promoting and protecting human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, the contribution of development to the process of promoting and protecting human rights; and the importance of development cooperation as well as the promotion and protection of human rights in ensuring that no one is left behind. We hope that the one-day intersessional seminar proposed in the draft resolution on the importance of development in promoting and protecting human rights would be helpful in identifying challenges, gaps, good practices and experiences.

3. We thank the delegation of China for accommodating different perspectives and presenting a balanced text. We hope the resolution under consideration will be adopted by consensus.

Thank you, Mr. President.