International IDEA Statement at the High-Level Segment of the UN General Assembly to Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Forty years after the Declaration on the Right to Development, its central call remains as compelling as ever: development must put people at its center. This vision is ultimately a democratic one, rooted in principles of inclusion, equality, and participation.

Too often, however, democracy and development are presented as competing priorities. The evidence tells us otherwise. International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy data reveal that basic welfare, including health, education and nutrition, is around 30% higher in democracies. Similarly, the work of Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu and his colleagues shows that countries that transition to democracy achieve around 20% higher GDP per capita compared to those that don’t. Perhaps most importantly, gender equality, itself a fundamental driver of development, is 40% higher in democracies. The so-called “authoritarian advantage” in development simply does not exist.

We do not need to choose between democracy and development. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts, political rights and socio-economic rights go hand in hand. Both are essential to every person’s human dignity, and to the pursuit of shared prosperity. Democracy accelerates inclusive development by centering people in political decisions, while holding leaders accountable and encouraging investment where it helps most.

Yet our data also show that the quality of democracy is in decline globally. In many places, we are seeing inequalities deepen, institutions stagnate, and public trust erode. And with this deterioration in democracy, we are losing one of our best chances for sustainable human development.

International IDEA urges Member States to pursue genuinely democratic development by investing in effective and inclusive institutions as a fundamental aspect of social infrastructure. Unlocking the power of democracy is key to realizing the right to development for all.

Thank you.