We are gathered here today to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the launch of the Global Development Initiative by President Xi Jinping during his address to the general debate of the 76th Session of the General Assembly.
Over the past five years, the Initiative has continued to represent a new paradigm of cooperation for sustainable development, in line with the legitimate interests and aspirations of the nations of the Global South, and has contributed to the progress toward the development goals of participating countries.
In the current context—marked by an unprecedented rise in unilateralism, threats to global peace and security and the use of unilateral coercive measures to subjugate developing countries—this Initiative, under China’s leadership, offers a reliable alternative for international cooperation that benefits those who need it most and is consistent with the need to design and promote a just and equitable new international order.
Our country, a founding member of this Group of Friends, is grateful for the cooperation we have received, which has been vital in mitigating the devastating effects of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States—a blockade that has been further reinforced in recent times by a cruel energy siege, equivalent to a naval blockade; and by the intimidating effects of so-called secondary sanctions against third parties.
Esteemed colleagues;
This platform is particularly relevant to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. With only four years remaining until the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, we must make the most of the scientific and technical potential of the members of this Initiative through a South-South cooperation approach, so as not to lose sight of the goals set forth in this global development agenda.
True to our principles of solidarity, Cuba is always ready to contribute, in its own modest way, to the efforts proposed by the Global Development Initiative.
Thank you very much.