Ambassador Yuri A. Gala López, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations, spoke at the meeting held to analyze the topics proposed for the interactive dialogues of the Water 2026 Conference.
In his speech, he stressed the importance of water as an essential resource for sustainable development and human survival. He also pointed out that irrational consumer societies and the aggravated impact of climate change have exacerbated pressures on access to drinking water and sanitation.
The Cuban diplomat reaffirmed the need to strengthen international cooperation to make progress in meeting the targets related to SDG 6, through access to technologies and knowledge, and capacity building for the integrated of water resources management.
At the same time, he emphasized that Cuba has institutionalized access to water and sanitation for all, based on the Law on Terrestrial Waters and a national water development program. He also said that our country is committed to a water management model based on science and innovation, the training of human resources, and the support provided by international cooperation.
Ambassador Gala López noted that despite our achievements in this area, Cuba faces different challenges derived from its condition of Small Island Developing State, and the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government, which is the primary obstacle to accessing external financing, new technologies, and other resources.
He concluded by reiterating Cuba's willingness to actively contribute to international debates on the subject and defending the central role of the United Nations as a legitimate forum for reaching global consensus on water issues.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations