Jeddah (UNA) – The Executive Director of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, His Excellency Dr. Hadi bin Ali Al-Yami, affirmed the Commission’s firm commitment to promoting the right to development, during his speech at the thirteenth session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development, held today, April 22, 2026, within the thematic discussion session on “The Role of Regional Mechanisms in Realizing the Right to Development”.
Al-Yami explained that the Commission continues its institutional efforts in this field through a specialized working group concerned with the right to development, which holds periodic meetings to follow up on progress and enhance international cooperation, noting the participation of one of the members of the expert mechanism in the work of the twenty-sixth regular session of the Commission, which reflects its keenness to consolidate partnerships with the United Nations human rights system.
He noted that the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration in 2016 marked a significant milestone in supporting the right to development and remains a key reference point in ongoing discussions to draft a legally binding instrument in this field. He also expressed his hope that the draft International Covenant on the Right to Development is nearing completion, affirming the Commission's full support for its adoption, which will strengthen the international legal framework for this right.
Al-Yami emphasized the crucial role of regional mechanisms in translating international standards into practical policies through capacity building, technical support, and the exchange of expertise among member states. He affirmed that these mechanisms contribute to achieving sustainable legislative and developmental reforms in the long term. He also addressed current global challenges, noting the widening economic and social gaps and the continued suffering of millions from poverty and exclusion within an international system that still lacks sufficient justice. In this context, he highlighted the growing impact of modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, on the development process, calling for the adoption of a human rights-based approach that guarantees transparency, accountability, and non-discrimination.
He stressed that bridging the digital divide is an urgent priority for the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to ensure equitable access to the opportunities offered by modern technology, emphasizing the role of regional mechanisms in setting guidelines and promoting cooperation in this field.
Al-Yami called for activating the right to development as a binding and enforceable legal framework, stressing the need to strengthen international cooperation and build more equitable economic systems, in order to ensure comprehensive and sustainable development, and to leave no one behind.
The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with regional and international partners to support this approach and contribute to achieving development goals based on human rights principles.
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