A/HRC/39/56 criteria and subcriteria in relation to the elaboration of a comprehensive and coherent set of standards for the implementation of the right to development and sound follow-up mechanisms. The participation and voice of the most vulnerable was crucial. The delegate called upon developed countries to ensure fair financing for development and reform of the current free trade and development finance system, as they hampered sustainable development. 12. The representative of Brazil stated that the right to development was interrelated with the realization of all human rights. While recognizing the different legal standing of human rights norms and the 2030 Agenda, there was no doubt that they were complementary and mutually reinforcing. Engaging with consideration of the criteria and subcriteria in relation to the elaboration of a comprehensive and coherent set of standards for the implementation of the right to development had enhanced and deepened the country’s understanding of the right to development. It was time to move forward to address emerging priority issues, in the context of the 2030 Agenda. 13. The delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran noted that, for many years, the developing countries had fought for the welfare and prosperity of their nations and were therefore concerned about economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development. Development was a right and the Islamic Republic of Iran refuted any approach trying to undermine that right or associating it to charity, privilege or generosity. While the discussions on the right to development had been adversely affected by political and conceptual differences, globalization and economic crises had highlighted that the right to development was relevant to all countries, regardless of their level of development. We should overcome the political impasse and move from rhetoric to action. 14. The representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia expressed agreement with the Non-Aligned Movement and reiterated the importance of the right to development with respect to cultural diversity and social contexts. The representative also reiterated the fundamental sovereign equality of States in international law. The current international financial system promoted inequality, poverty and marginalization, and measures were required at the international level to ensure the full exercise and realization of the right to development. A binding instrument was vital to fill that legal gap. 15. The delegate of Cuba expressed agreement with the Non-Aligned Movement. Obstacles to the implementation of the right to development increasingly prevented people from enjoying development and their human rights. The right to development also contained the extraterritoriality dimension. The question now was about operationalizing that right rather than discussing whether it was a human right. Cuba encouraged national human rights institutions to operationalize the right to development at a national level and remained willing to engage constructively with all other stakeholders. 16. The delegate of Nigeria, expressing agreement with the African Group, the NonAligned Movement and OIC, reiterated the position of Nigeria that the right to development deserved adequate international attention and was key to achieving the 2030 Agenda. The lack of development opportunities was negatively affecting the well-being of the citizens of developing countries and contributing to instability and conflicts, which posed serious threats to global peace and security. Nigeria urged all stakeholders to shelve the seeming differences and be committed to the international efforts aimed at the realization of the right to development. 17. The representative of China said that development was an inalienable human right and that all countries were free to choose their own development agendas, that catered to their own realities. To achieve robust, sustainable, inclusive development, China called upon all States to comply with the Charter of the United Nations, respect different political, social systems and development progress in different countries, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, fully incorporate sustainable development and construct international relations that were fair, just and mutually respectful. 18. The delegate of Sri Lanka noted that the country was yet to operationalize that mandate owing to the absence of a comprehensive and coherent set of standards for assessing development. Regional and international efforts were needed to complement national efforts. Through its “Vision 2025: a country enriched” policy document, Sri Lanka 5