Today, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, addressed the General Debate of the 47th session of the Committee on Information, where he reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to multilingualism, universal access to accurate information and the use of information and communication technologies for the benefit of human development.
In his speech, he expressed Cuba's support for the statements made by Iraq, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; Venezuela, on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter; and Ecuador, on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Spanish Language. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Public Information to promote the integrity of information and the promotion of multilingual campaigns, and welcomed the inclusion of multilingualism in its recent reports.
He stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen strategic communications on key issues such as the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially for developing countries. He also welcomed the launch of the new UN multimedia website in 2024, which will bring together valuable audiovisual archives, as an essential step in preserving the historical memory of the Organization.
With regard to Cuba, the diplomat stressed that the computerization of society remains a national priority, despite the serious obstacles posed by the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States. He pointed out that between March 2024 and February 2025, the damage caused to the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in Cuba exceeded 78 million dollars, with the state-owned company ETECSA being particularly affected.
Soberón Guzmán denounced the restrictions that Cuba faces in accessing essential digital platforms for participating in international meetings, such as Zoom, as well as the permanent operation of disinformation and manipulation against the Cuban reality, promoted and financed by the US government. He also condemned the radio and television aggression against Cuba, which continues with illegal broadcasts on medium and short wave bands, in violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
He concluded his speech by reaffirming the commitment of the Largest of the Antilles to contribute to the construction of a new world information and communications order, more just and equitable, in which technological development is a priority for the well-being of peoples.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations