New York, June 10, 2026 – Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening the United Nations development system and warned of the challenges facing international cooperation in a global context marked by growing tensions, uncertainty, and financial constraints.
Addressing the interactive dialogue with the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) during the annual session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS, the Cuban diplomat stated that the international situation has become increasingly unpredictable and dangerous, characterized by the resurgence of military threats, the erosion of multilateralism, and repeated violations of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
In this context, he underscored the importance of the work carried out by the United Nations system, in close cooperation with national governments, to support countries in overcoming obstacles to their development. He also expressed concern about the complex financial situation facing the Organization and its agencies, while emphasizing that reforms aimed at ensuring the sustainability of their operations should not result in reduced support for the most vulnerable countries and development programs.
Ambassador Soberón reiterated that increasing conditionalities attached to funding by some donor countries must not undermine UNDP’s mandate to promote sustainable development and eradicate poverty. He also reaffirmed Cuba’s willingness to examine proposals aimed at strengthening the financial architecture of the United Nations development system, including possible institutional restructuring options, provided that such processes are conducted transparently and inclusively, in close consultation with Member States.
In his remarks, Cuba’s Permanent Representative called on developed countries to fulfill their international commitments regarding development cooperation and financing. He further emphasized that countries of the Global South and United Nations entities require predictable and sustainable resources to address current challenges. He stressed that it is unacceptable to shift onto developing countries the financial burden associated with achieving the very development goals they are striving to attain.
The Cuban diplomat expressed appreciation for the support provided by UNDP to Cuba and acknowledged the work carried out by Resident Representative Fernando Hiraldo in the country. Ambassador Soberón noted that UNDP’s cooperation has helped mitigate the effects of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States, which has been further intensified through additional coercive and extraterritorial measures that continue to generate significant hardships for the Cuban people.
In closing, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán reiterated Cuba’s commitment to supporting international efforts to advance sustainable development, implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and promote peace worldwide, as essential conditions for ensuring that no one is left behind.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations