New York, 13 February 2020. Cuba continues making significant achievements in terms of social development and has accomplished several goals outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. This has been achieved despite the fierce economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America and tightened by the irresponsible actions of the US Administration. This criminal policy has a direct impact on all sectors in Cuba and is the main obstacle to our development. This was declared by Ambassador Oscar León González, Chargé d´Affaires a.i. of Cuba to the United Nations during the General Debate on Agenda Item 3: “Follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development and the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly”, of the 58th session of the Commission for Social Development.
The Caribbean diplomat explained that, in spite of the challenges posed by the US blockade, by 2030 there will be 3.3 million people over 60 years or older in Cuba, which has turned elderly care into a development priority of the country, in order to guarantee the quality of life of this sector of the population. He additionally stated that housing construction is a priority task for the Cuban State, and several resources have been earmarked for this sector. He expressed that 43 700 houses had been built by the end of 2019, which is 10 801 more houses than those foreseen for that year.
He referred to the way the island supports the World Programme of Action concerning disabled persons, carrying out actions that boost the comprehensive development, self-fulfillment and full social integration of every disabled person. The country also deploys a policy towards its young people, prioritizing their professional training, labour market integration and participation in the processes of discussion and decision-making at all levels.
León González stated that 25 years after the World Summit for Social Development, held in Copenhagen, the commitments established by its Programme of Action remain relevant and in force, both nationally and internationally.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations