Distinguished Representatives of intergovernmental organizations, United Nations agencies, international organizations, heads of delegations, and guests,
Allow me to extend my greetings and to reaffirm the Cuban Government’s commitment to disaster risk reduction. I would also like to convey the gratitude of the Government of the Republic of Cuba and of our proud Cuban people to the Government of Switzerland and to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for hosting this Eighth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025.
On behalf of our delegation, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the peoples and governments who have suffered the loss of human lifes due to recent disasters.
In recent years, we have witnessed a marked increase in the impacts caused by climate change and disasters resulting from the interplay between vulnerabilities and the occurrence of hazards, particularly in developing countries.
In late 2024, we faced a complex situation due to the impact of two hurricanes and two earthquakes within a span of just 20 days, affecting both the eastern and western regions of our country.
We have worked hard, and once again the political will and the role of the Cuban State were evident, with the contributions of various sectors of society and the national system of science, technology, and innovation, through an integrated, multisectoral approach — all amid the harsh reinforcement of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government for over sixty years.
In line with the priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, Cuba has updated its institutional and regulatory frameworks to strengthen disaster risk reduction capacities.
Today, we have twenty-three surveillance and early warning systems, and more than 136 hazard, vulnerability, and risk studies.
We have successfully integrated disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policies, strategies, and tools, including preparedness components at all levels.
The results achieved have been shared with several developing countries as part of Cuba’s cooperation efforts.
It is imperative to enhance international cooperation and technology transfer to developing countries to support disaster risk prevention and reduction and to contribute to a secure, sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all. Without this, meaningful progress in disaster risk reduction will not be possible.
Globally, much remains to be done in comprehensive disaster risk management, capacity building, investment in resilience, and strengthening preparedness.
In this regard, we reaffirm our commitment to implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and to achieving all of its targets.
I will conclude my remarks with a phrase from our national hero, José Martí: “In foreseeing lies the art of saving.
Thank you.