The ECOSOC Development Cooperation Forum was held on Wednesday at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, stressed the urgent need to strengthen international cooperation to address global challenges and move towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
In his remarks, he associated himself with the statement made by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China, and expressed concern about the alarming trends identified in the UN Secretary-General's report, including the fragmentation of international aid and the decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA).
"The figures are alarming. At present, the ODA represents only 0.37% of donor countries' gross national income, far from the 0.7% target...." "It is unacceptable that the ODA continues to decrease in real terms and that available resources are being diverted from the countries most in need to other purposes." stressed the Cuban diplomat.
At the same time, he called for compliance with the financial commitments of developed countries and the creation of financing mechanisms adapted to the realities of developing countries. He also stressed the need to recognize the unmet aid commitments as a debt contracted with the Global South, estimated at almost 7.2 trillion dollars.
The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Seville this July, is a key opportunity to renew commitments and agree on structural reforms. In this context, he supported the proposal by the G77 and China to launch a multilateral process to agree on a common understanding of the parameters and ODA targets.
Soberón Guzmán shared Cuba's experience in solidarity cooperation, and highlighted the cooperation programs in health, education and sustainable development that have been maintained despite the economic blockade imposed by the United States. He stressed the importance of respecting the right of each country to define its own development priorities without external interference.
"The international community must assume its historical and moral responsibility towards the peoples of the South..." "Development cooperation cannot be seen as an act of charity, but as a genuine commitment to justice and global equity," said the Cuban Ambassador.
He concluded by reaffirming Cuba's commitment to solidarity, cooperation and the construction of a more just, inclusive and sustainable world.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations