Distinguished Delegates,
Cuba is implementing a governance system based on science, technology, and innovation, recognising that strengthening these fields is essential for achieving sustainable development.
Governance is built on three key priorities. First, the digitalisation of society, where progress has been made in shaping its concept. We now focus on digital transformation –a broader approach that aims to foster a digital way of life and interaction.
We advocate for digital transformation as a pillar of governance, alongside science and innovation and social communication. These are the three pillars on which government stands and they are deeply interconnected.
There is an ongoing national debate on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. As a result of these discussions, the Cuban Union of Computer Scientists was established, where experts in these areas collaborate and develop solutions to support digital transformation processes.
In alignment with our governance pillars, Cuba established in 2021 the National Innovation Council, an advisory body to the President of the Republic, tasked with recommending decisions to promote innovation within the functioning of the State, economy, and society in a coordinated and integrated manner. This council brings together experts from the Academy of Sciences of Cuba, industries, universities, and other government sectors.
Additionally, Cuba recently approved the National Digital Transformation Policy, the National Digital Agenda, and the Artificial Intelligence Usage Policy.
We have a community of researchers in universities and scientific centres, who, under the Artificial Intelligence Development Strategy, generate and share knowledge on technologies applying AI to tourism, communications, construction, and sports.
We have a community of researchers in universities and scientific centres who, under the Artificial Intelligence Development Strategy project, generate and share knowledge on the development of AI-driven technologies in sectors such as tourism, communications, construction and sport.
We use digitalisation in public administration, as we aim to develop digital transformation as part of what we call e-Government, an initiative that seeks better interaction of citizens with all government activity and also guarantees greater opportunities for citizen participation in governance.
For example, all municipalities, provinces, ministries, and most institutions now have digital portals or web platforms that facilitate interaction with the population.
We are developing the Cuban Citizen’s Portal, a platform that will enable citizens to access multiple administrative procedures after creating a profile, eliminating the need for physical offices and paperwork and greatly simplifying daily life.
Cuba has long implemented educational programmes and allocated significant resources to build a strong professional base in biotechnology, which has led to the establishment of an internationally recognised biopharmaceutical sector.
The use of complex technological platforms, combined with the development of specialised professionals, has resulted in notable achievements. These include the local production of preventive vaccines, the CimaVax-EGF therapeutic vaccine for advanced lung cancer, and Heberprot-P, a unique medication that has significantly reduced amputation rates in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba successfully developed highly effective vaccines, internationally recognised for their efficacy. Additionally, robotic automation was applied in the manufacturing of high-performance pulmonary ventilators, featuring advanced levels of digitalisation.
Most recently, on 14 October 2024, a vaccination campaign was launched with the Cuban immunogen Quimio-Vio, a new anti-pneumococcal vaccine that protects children against meningitis, pneumonia and acute otitis media.
Overall, Cuba places great importance on the integration of technology into the economy, as reaffirmed by the Cuban Constitution, which recognises the importance of the Information Society and guarantees citizens' access to technology as a fundamental right.
The main challenge Cuba faces in developing or adapting advanced technologies –and thus advancing digital transformation of society- is the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States. This blockade restricts the acquisition of modern platforms and technologies, skews cooperation with foreign providers, and hinders Cuba’s ability to access cutting-edge technologies and train specialists. For instance, the blockade prevents Cuba from purchasing goods and technologies manufactured in third countries if those products contain more than 10% U.S. components, which remains one of the greatest obstacles to accessing advanced technology.
In this context, international cooperation plays a key role in facilitating access to advanced technologies and their implementation, serving as a source of funding for innovation projects, strengthening the role of technical advisory councils, and accelerating the implementation of actions and programmes that advance science, technology, and innovation in the country.
Thank you.