Paris, 11 September 2025 — Cuba, as a Member State of UNESCO’s Executive Board, actively participated on 10 and 11 September in the meeting of the Preparatory Group for the 222nd session of the Executive Board, during which Member States analyzed the main issues that will shape the upcoming debates in October, particularly the Organization’s complex financial situation.
One of the most discussed topics was the budgetary and cash flow situation for 2025, as well as the preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for the 2026–2027 biennium (43 C/5). Member States expressed concern about the impact of budget freezes on programme delivery and staff morale, as well as the need to preserve field operations and global priorities, especially in Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The discussion took on special significance following the withdrawal of the United States from UNESCO, one of the Organization’s main financial contributors, which poses new challenges to ensuring budget sustainability and predictability without overburdening other Member States. In this context, several countries underlined that it would be neither responsible nor sustainable for remaining States to compensate for unpaid contributions, and called for transparent mechanisms for the allocation of any surplus or budgetary adjustments.
During the debates, emphasis was also placed on maintaining administrative efficiency, strategic planning, and accountability, as well as on strengthening regional capacities and coordination between field offices and Headquarters. Member States agreed on the need to have detailed financial information ahead of the budget’s approval at the next Executive Board session, scheduled for the autumn.
The Permanent Delegation of Cuba to UNESCO reiterated its commitment to transparent and equitable financial management that safeguards the Organization’s priority programmes and mission, while supporting a multilateral approach to overcoming the challenges arising from the current budgetary context.