New York, February 1, 2018. The Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, Ambassador Anayansi Rodriguez Camejo, participated in 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, Sub-items a) and b) of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. In this context, she presented Cuba's achievements in terms of social development with the support of the State despite the fierce blockade imposed by the United States against the island for more than 50 years.
In her statement, she explained that the island supports the World Programme of Action for Persons with Disabilities, through the implementation of a development strategy based on the principles of freedom, equity, social justice and inclusion, with a focus on human beings and their overall development.
Rodriguez Camejo also referred to the Youth Policy, which has a strong vocation for social benefit, prioritizing technical and professional training of young people, their labor insertion, their participation in the processes of discussion and decision-making at all levels as well as their representation in the major structures of government, parliament and other decision-making scenarios.
The Ambassador listed other human development indicators in Cuba, which are consistent with the objectives outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): at the end of 2017, the infant mortality rate reached its lowest level in our history, with only 4.0 per 1,000 live births; average life expectancy is 78.45 years, with women over 80 years of age; the education and health systems are universal, accessible and free of charge for the entire population; more than two-thirds of the country's budget is earmarked for improving levels of education, health, security and social welfare, culture, sports, as well as scientific and technical research; in Cuba there is 1 doctor per 125 inhabitants and an immunization program against thirteen diseases for 100% of Cuban children; more than 55,000 Cuban health professionals are currently working in 67 countries, as part of the Cuban policy of South-South cooperation.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.