By Moiya Sullivan
BEIJING, June 12, 2026 – Two Latin American researchers delivered compelling speeches at the 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance, calling for science literacy to be recognized as a fundamental pillar of the Right to Development and proposing “Ecological Civilization” as a new normative bridge integrating green development with human rights.
The forum, held at the Beijing Hotel, commemorates the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development (1986) under the theme “Joint Development, Shared Human Rights.” Nearly 400 participants from more than 100 countries attended the event to discuss contemporary challenges and opportunities in human rights and development.
Continuing the discussion, Prof. Dr. Marco Cabero addressed the significance of Science Literacy as a Foundation for the Realization of the Right to Development in the AI Era.
Prof. Dr. Marco A. Cabero, Chairman of the Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology (ARCST) and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Latin American Sciences and Culture, spoke during Parallel Session 1: The Human Rights Implications of the Global Governance Initiative.
“Picture a world where everyone understands how AI shapes their lives. That world is within reach if we make science literacy a priority – it’s the key to unlocking the Right to Development for all,” Cabero passionately asserted.
He noted that when the Declaration on the Right to Development was adopted four decades ago, it provided a visionary framework for promoting human well-being and equitable progress. Today, artificial intelligence offers unprecedented opportunities in fields such as medicine, agriculture, education, and environmental management. However, he emphasized that technological advancement alone does not automatically translate into human development.
Dr. Cabero described science literacy as more than knowing facts: it is “the ability to think critically, evaluate evidence, spot misinformation, and make decisions based on reliable information.” He noted a new form of inequality in the digital age.
“The digital divide is no longer only about access to technology. There is an increasing divide in the capacity to understand, evaluate, and use technology effectively,” he explained.
For Latin America and other regions of the Global South, Dr. Cabero argued that the challenge extends beyond access to technology. It also involves ensuring that individuals possess the educational and scientific foundations necessary to benefit from innovation and participate actively in development processes.
“Science literacy strengthens human dignity, individual agency, and meaningful participation in development,” he added.
Dr. Cabero’s remarks echoed human rights principles such as the right to benefit from scientific progress as stated in Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. He said strengthening scientific literacy is essential for individuals and communities to exercise these rights amid the rise of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change.
He concluded with a historical comparison:
“Ask yourself: what does it mean to be literate today? In the past, it meant reading and writing. Now, it means evaluating evidence, questioning information, and engaging directly with science and technology. To keep the Right to Development alive in the AI age, universal science literacy must be our collective mission,” he challenged the audience.
Following Dr. Cabero, Prof. Dr. Douglas de Castro discussed Ecological Civilization as a Framework for Sustainable Development and Human Rights.
Dr. Douglas de Castro, a Brazilian professor at Lanzhou University and Editor of the Journal of Latin American Sciences and Culture, spoke during Parallel Session 4: Green Development and the Protection of Human Rights.
Dr. De Castro presented the concept of Ecological Civilization as a framework that integrates environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic development. According to Dr. De Castro, this framework offers countries pathways to pursue development that balances environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth.
“Ecological Civilization invites us to envision new possibilities. What if development put harmony with nature at the very heart of public policy?” de Castro asked. “We have the chance to redefine the future.”
He explained that Ecological Civilization helps connect environmental governance with economic, social, and cultural rights. With the rule of law in environmental matters, countries can promote sustainable and inclusive development strategies.
For many nations in the Global South, he argued, such approaches may help address climate challenges while simultaneously advancing poverty reduction, social equity, and human well-being.
A Shared Vision from the Global South
Both speakers identified international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and South–South collaboration as crucial strategies for addressing the main challenges facing sustainable development and the advancement of human rights.
Dr. Cabero called upon governments, educational institutions, and international organizations to place science literacy at the center of education and development policies, particularly in light of the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Dr. De Castro emphasized the value of international dialogue and mutual learning for sustainable development, noting that regional experiences can inform more effective approaches to balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
Cabero and de Castro’s perspectives reinforce the idea that prioritizing science literacy and ecological sustainability is central to ensuring that technological and environmental advancements drive inclusive human development globally. Their input adds to current discussions on equitable development in Latin America and the Global South.