Paris, 18 March. Today morning, the plenary debate of the 219th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO began at the Organization’s headquarters in Paris, where Cuba participates as a Member State of this important body.
The Cuban delegation is headed by the representative to the Executive Board, Ambassador Dulce Buergo Rodríguez, President of the Cuban National Commission for UNESCO, and the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Cuba to UNESCO Yahima Esquivel Moynelo. The delegation is also integrated by the First Secretary LLuraldi Cabas Mayor and Second Secretary Yailin Castro Loredo.
In her statement to the Executive Council, the Cuban representative pointed out that we have enormous potential in UNESCO, that we have a moral duty to take advantage of, defend and function the transformation of humanity, with a true sense of solidarity, cooperation and unity, recognizing and respecting each other in the diverse and rich history of each of our peoples. No blockades or unilateral sanctions, which do so much harm.
"Cuba knows him well. Faces for more than 60 years the cruel economic, commercial and financial blockade of the US, which represents for the country the main obstacle to its development, aggravated by the impact of the inclusion in the unilateral list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism, which translates into greater obstacles to face the complex international and national economic situation," said Buergo Rodríguez.
Despite the blockade against our country, the efforts made by the country and the progress made in the implementation of the National Economic and Social Development Plan, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda, which includes, among others, our priorities for the continuous improvement of the quality of education, the promotion of cultural diversity, the strengthening and effectiveness of the national science system, technology and innovation with emphasis on the development of technological infrastructure, the sustainable use of natural resources and addressing the effects of climate change, among others.
In that sense, Ambassador Dulce Buergo Rodríguez thanked UNESCO for its traditional support and cooperation, through various programs that enjoy the widest impact and recognition in Cuba.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to UNESCO