Within the framework of the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development, the general debate on the theme: "Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the implementation of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development, as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", was held this Tuesday at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, stressed that despite the progress made in recent decades, the implementation of the commitments made in Copenhagen remains a challenge. At the same time, he mentioned the challenges posed by the current unjust and unsustainable international economic order, which perpetuates the gap between developed and developing countries and hinders efforts to achieve sustainable development.
"The lack of progress in reducing extreme poverty and hunger, as well as growing inequality and social exclusion, are concerns that must be urgently addressed," the Cuban diplomat said.
Soberón Guzmán condemned the practice of imposing unilateral coercive measures as a means of political and economic coercion against countries of the South, and called for their immediate cessation as an obstacle to the efforts of countries of the South to achieve sustainable development. He reiterated Cuba's commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the promotion of solidarity and international cooperation.
The Ambassador said that the Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Qatar, will be an opportunity to renew the collective commitment to the Copenhagen postulates and to move towards fair and equitable social development. He reiterated Cuba's commitment to participate in this process in a transparent, constructive and proactive manner, as it did 30 years ago.
The 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development, one of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), will be held in New York from February 10 to 14.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations