Experts discuss efforts to reduce inequality, promote right to development at UNHCR

Chinese and international experts discussed strategies for inclusive development and advancing the right to development at a recent side event held during the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

Hao Luyi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stressed that equal development opportunities are essential for realizing the right to development. Hao called for international cooperation guided by inclusive principles and linked to global challenges such as migration and refugee crises.

Marc Limon, executive director of the Universal Rights Group, noted that economic and social inequalities are major human rights concerns that have long been overlooked in the UN system. Reducing inequality requires both national policies on taxation, social security and public services, and fairer international cooperation mechanisms, he added.

Tang Yingxia, an expert from Nankai University, highlighted that structural inequalities in the Global South hinder development and environmental rights. Tang added that the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative provide pathways for more equitable and sustainable human rights practices.

Wei Xiaoxu, a law expert from Jilin University, emphasized that China has translated the principle of promoting human rights through development into concrete policies, achieving progress in fields including poverty reduction, technology and public welfare.

Yang Tao, a researcher from the China Tibetology Research Center, said that in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, local authorities have promoted the coordinated development of poverty reduction and ecological protection through improved transportation and public services, the development of green industries and increased ecological compensation.

These efforts have not only ensured sustained growth in residents' incomes but also demonstrated a practical path for promoting human rights through development, Yang said.

Zheng Liang of Jinan University stressed that educational equality underpins fair opportunities and development rights.

China has continuously prioritized education development, improved funding and admission systems to reduce educational gaps, and advocates using educational equity as an important entry point for advancing the realization of the right to development in international cooperation, Zheng said.