New York, June 1st, 2026 – The Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, spoke on Monday at the dialogue with the Secretary-General on the implementation of the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development (QCPR), held under the Operational Activities Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
During his intervention, the Cuban diplomat stressed that the report presented by the Secretary-General clearly set out the challenges facing the United Nations system and its operational activities for development. While acknowledging efforts to increase efficiency and strengthen the alignment of cooperation on the ground with national priorities, noted that significant constraints remain preventing the system from fully deploying its capabilities in support of sustainable development.
Ambassador Soberón warned that the financial problems of the United Nations development system have become structural, marked by increased conditional financing and failure to meet historic official development assistance commitments, including the target of 0.7% of gross national income. He stressed that the sustained decline in resources for development seriously compromises the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and removes the possibility of progress towards poverty eradication as a central goal.
He also expressed concern about the actions of the United States which, in Cuba’s view, undermine the principles that gave rise to the United Nations. He noted that recurring threats to international peace and stability weaken the development pillar and erode the foundations of the multilateral system.
In this context, he denounced the impact of the increased economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba, which he described as the main obstacle to the sustainable development of the country. He emphasized that this policy of pressure is currently accompanied by threats of aggression, the consequences of which would be incalculable not only for Cuba, but also for the United States and for the entire region.
The Permanent Representative of Cuba reiterated the importance of preserving peace, strengthening multilateralism and ensuring a United Nations development system endowed with adequate, predictable and unconditional resources. He warned that failure to restore respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international cooperation risks turning the 2030 Agenda into a great unfulfilled promise for millions of people around the world.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.