During the second part of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Preparatory Committee on Financing for Development (FfD4), which was dedicated to considering the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (Seville Commitment), Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Cuba's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized the text's potential to bridge the financial gap on the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting the development of countries in general.
In this regards, he emphasized Cuba's support for including the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, particularly the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, in the Financing for Development Agenda for the first time. He reiterated the call for developed countries to fulfill their commitments, not only in terms of climate financing, but also in terms of international cooperation for development.
The Cuban diplomat emphasized the text's reaffirmation of the vital role of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and its calls for developed countries to honor their historical commitments, including allocating 0.7% of their Gross National Income. The text also recognizes the need to increase the concessional financing component for developing countries.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of the proposal to begin an intergovernmental process at the United Nations to formulate recommendations that address gaps in the debt architecture. This is a longstanding demand of developing countries that have faced debt crises for too long without fair, transparent, and inclusive resolution mechanisms. The diplomat reiterated Cuba's strong commitment to finding systemic and structural solutions to the debt problem and said that Cuba will actively participate in this process.
Regarding unilateral coercive measures, Soberón Guzmán said: "We positively highlight the explicit rejection of unilateral economic, commercial, or financial measures that are contrary to international law and the United Nations Charter and hinder the economic development of many countries, including our own. This is a step forward in the international community's recognition of the negative impact of these measures. Therefore, it is an issue that should be addressed at the Financing for Development Forum and in other spaces where the implementation of this document will be reviewed."
The Cuban ambassador stated that, although the Seville Commitment does not solve all the challenges we face, it provides a useful framework for progress, provided that its full and coherent implementation is guaranteed and its principles are translated into concrete actions, additional financing, and courageous political decisions.
In conclusion, he reiterated Cuba's commitment to an international economic order that promotes development and inclusiveness rather than reproducing inequalities. He also advocated for the implementation of the Seville Commitment to truly respond to the aspirations of developing countries.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations