The Cuban diplomat pointed out that the continuing inefficient and indiscriminate use of the planet's scarce natural resources maintain unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, while large amounts of financial resources are spent for trading, arms dealing and speculative purposes.
Rodríguez Abascal called upon the United Nations System to attach particular priority to the eradication of poverty, as the greatest global challenge and a prerequisite for sustainable development as well as to provide further support and effective assistance to States in order to implement the 2030 Agenda, the SDGs, as well as other global development objectives that are outstanding matters, in a balanced and integrated manner.
She highlighted that implementing the 2030 Agenda demands that no person or country is left behind, and this involves recognition and respect for the diversity of approaches, visions, models and instruments determined by each country in exercising their right to self-determination and considering their different national circumstances and priorities.
The Ambassador ratified Cuba’s commitment to the fulfillment of the Paris Agreement, which we recognize as an important starting point to fight the effects of climate change; and urged States Parties to work for achieving its compliance and expanding its scope, on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities and recognizing the vulnerabilities of the least developed countries, especially the Small Island States.
At the end of her statement, she reaffirmed the island´s commitment to the search for a just, equitable and inclusive world that recognizes people as the key element of sustainable development.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.