New York, August 26, 2026. - Cuba denounced that the unprecedented intensification of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States is an obstacle for international cooperation, as well as for the arrival of essential resources for the wellbeing of the population.
During the interactive dialogue with Alexander De Croo, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, highlighted the historic contribution of the Programme to the country’s sustainable development, and its role as an essential ally in strategic areas like the transformation of the energy matrix, the access to drinking water and the hydrological monitoring, healthcare, and the humanitarian response to natural disasters.
At the same time, Soberón Guzmán warned that the secondary sanctions from the US blockade have obliged international shipping companies to cancel operations, affecting 60% of maritime traffic and the logistic chain underpinning UNDP cooperation. As a result, a dozen containers remain halted in ports of the region.
He indicated that essential supplies for medical treatment and medicine production, including approximately 16,000 rechargeable lamps, 5 thousand canvas intended to replenish humanitarian reserves, as well as more than 1, 500 mattresses for 560 homes and shelters are among the resources Cuba has not received. The Cuban diplomat also denounced that, the United States prevent vital resources from being delivered to the population and reinforces the collective punishment against the Cuban people.
The Permanent Representative reaffirmed that, despite this complex scenario, Cuba will continue pursuing sustainable development and strengthening ties with UNDP. He also stressed that with only four years remaining until the 2030 Agenda deadline, it is urgent to ensure sufficient, foreseeable and sustainable resources to support countries in the transformation of their commitments of development into concrete results.
Regarding the proposal of reforms derived from UN 80, Cuba argued that any decision on the architecture and the functioning of the United Nations development system should be made by its member states and arise from a transparent and inclusive process, based on evidence, sufficient data and analysis. In closing, the Cuban Ambassador reiterated our commitment to the joint implementation of the new Country Programme and acknowledged UNDP’s assistance as a genuine expression of multilateralism.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.