New York, 11 October 2017. The Cuban representative to the United Nations, First Secretary Juan Miguel González Peña, described the current international economic order as deeply unjust and unsustainable, with an increasing impact on the marginalization of a considerable number of nations of the South.
During his statement at the Segment on Eradication of Poverty and other Development Issues of the Second Committee of the United Nations, the Cuban Representative questioned the progress in poverty eradication when more than 80% of the word population survives on less than one dollar a day, nearly 1 billion people are living in extreme poverty, there are almost 800 million illiterate people and the number of people suffering from chronic hunger increased by 38 million in 2016, reaching the sad figure of 815 million people.
González Peña highlighted that Cuba, despite the unjust and criminal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States, the adverse effects of powerful hurricanes, droughts and the recent global crisis, shows remarkable social achievements and has already fulfilled several of the goals outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
When referring to the solidarity provided by Cuba to other countries of the South, through the “Yes, I Can” literacy and “Operation Miracle” programs, he reiterated Cuba´s strong commitment to South-South cooperation and international solidarity.
The Cuban diplomat also called for solidarity as a way to eradicate poverty.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.