New York, June 1st, 2026 – The Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, addressed the Operational Activities Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) during the consideration of the report of the Chairperson of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) on the Development Coordination Office and the Resident Coordinator system.
Ambassador Soberón acknowledged the progress made by the Resident Coordinator system to strengthen the alignment of United Nations entities with national priorities of Member States and maximize the impact of cooperation for the development, even in a context marked by the decrease of available financial resources.
The Cuban representative highlighted Cuba’s positive experience with this mechanism and highlighted the work of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the country. Francisco Pichón, whose constant support and commitment have helped strengthen the Organization’s response to natural disasters and to the serious consequences of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba.
He also denounced that, despite the tightening of the economic and energy siege against the island, the United Nations system has continued to mobilize resources, cooperation and international assistance for the benefit of the Cuban people. He pointed out that the agencies, funds and programs present in the country daily note the negative impact of this policy on the daily life of the population, as well as the obstacles it imposes to the effective implementation of development projects and the arrival of assistance on the ground.
Ambassador Soberón also warned about the complex financial situation facing the Organization today. He stressed that the United Nations was under unprecedented financial pressure, exacerbated by the failure of its main contributor to meet its financial obligations. In this context, he expressed concern at the continued decline of voluntary contributions to the Resident Coordinator system, which has the lowest levels of funding since its inception and faces a funding gap of $45.7 million.
The Cuban diplomat emphasized that developing countries cannot and should not bear alone the cost of cooperation and assistance needed to make progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He reiterated the urgency of complying with international commitments on financing for development and strengthening international cooperation, warning that the persistence of current financial constraints will continue to weaken the operational capacity and effectiveness of the UN development system, jeopardizing global efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.