China's human rights model praised at Global Governance Forum

BEIJING: Delegates from more than 100 countries and international organisations praised China’s approach to human rights development and its vision for global human rights governance during the second day of the 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance.

The two-day forum, themed “Joint Development, Shared Human Rights: The 40th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development and a New Vision for Global Human Rights Governance,” brought together over 400 participants, including representatives from the United Nations, policymakers, academics and human rights experts.

Speakers at the forum highlighted development as the cornerstone of human rights progress, endorsing China’s long-standing position that economic and social development is essential for the realization of fundamental human rights.

Addressing the gathering, Mohamed Osman Omar stressed that development was not merely an economic objective but the foundation of human dignity.

Former Cabo Verde foreign minister Jorge Alberto da Silva Borges echoed similar sentiments, noting that challenges such as environmental vulnerabilities, limited natural resources and dependence on external funding hinder development and, consequently, the enjoyment of basic rights.

“We learn that without development, without water, without housing and food security, other rights remain out of reach. Development is not a luxury; it is a prerequisite for dignity,” Borges said.

Participants also underscored the importance of respecting different national conditions and development paths in promoting human rights.

Maya Sahli-Fadel said efforts to safeguard human rights should take into account each country's cultural traditions, historical experiences, legal systems and level of development. She emphasized the importance of respecting national realities and strengthening South-South cooperation.

Similarly, Kan Pharidh advocated a global governance framework based on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect rather than confrontation and unilateral coercion.

The forum also highlighted the growing role of international cooperation in advancing human rights worldwide.

Dilnoza Muratova noted that no country could address global challenges independently and stressed that realization of the right to development depended on stronger international collaboration.

Representatives from the Global South called for greater solidarity and coordinated efforts to achieve shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Agnes Adlino Orifa Oswaha praised China’s efforts to promote fairness, justice, equal participation and win-win cooperation, urging developing countries to work together to address common challenges.

Several speakers also commended China’s Global Governance Initiative, describing it as a framework that encourages dialogue, inclusiveness and equitable participation in international affairs.

Issara Sereewatthanawut said the initiative provides opportunities for all countries to participate in global governance and contributes to the development of a more just and inclusive international order.

Participants agreed that the evolving global landscape requires stronger multilateral cooperation and innovative governance mechanisms to ensure that development and human rights remain mutually reinforcing objectives for all nations.