Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished guests,
The Cuban delegation is firmly committed to contributing to the success of this Conference—an essential forum for promoting social justice, labor rights, and cooperation among peoples.
I bring a fraternal and heartfelt greeting to all delegations, along with recognition of the work of the ILO, which for more than a century has defended the rights of working women and men.
Cuba reaffirms its unwavering commitment to multilateralism and the central role of the ILO as a tripartite organization.
In a world increasingly marked by asymmetries and inequality, we advocate for social justice and decent work as essential pillars of sustainable development. We have demonstrated this conviction through concrete actions.
The economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba remains the main obstacle to our economic and social development.
This criminal policy, which has been increasingly tightened in recent years, directly affects Cuban workers. The blockade and its consequences prevent Cuba from accessing increased resources to improve the quality of life of the people—and of workers in particular—their working conditions and their compensation. It restricts access to personal protective equipment and technologies for occupational safety and health, hinders the prevention of workplace accidents and occupational illnesses, among other effects.
We reiterate our respect for the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
Mr. President,
International solidarity is not mere rhetoric—it is a practice of the Cuban people since the triumph of our Revolution.
Despite economic limitations, we reaffirm—today more than ever—our commitment to South-South cooperation. We will continue to promote international cooperation as a means to confront inequality, informal and precarious employment; ills that affect millions around the world.
Cuba will continue to extend a hand of solidarity to the peoples of the world. We maintain international cooperation in vital sectors such as health, education, and technical training—wherever we are called upon. We do so with humility and with the firm purpose of contributing to a more just, humane, and mutually supportive world.
Mr. President,
The Cuban social model has achieved significant progress in the area of labor rights. More than 63% of the workforce is formally employed with full rights. We have universal access to free healthcare and education, and 100% coverage under the social security system.
We are consistently working to implement policies aimed at diversifying the economy, strengthening science and innovation, and protecting vulnerable sectors, among other goals—using these as tools for building fair and sustainable solutions through consensus.
Cuba is addressing the challenges of digital transformation with a social approach. Teleworking is being implemented as part of our commitment to leave no one behind in the face of technological advancement, digital service delivery, and the strengthening of technical and vocational education—key instruments for adapting the labor market to new technological and social realities.
We join the global call for a people-centered approach to social policy, grounded in justice and sustainability. We reject neoliberal policies that strip workers of their hard-won gains and erode the rights of labor collectives.
Cuba reiterates its willingness to continue working hand in hand with the ILO, its Member States, and constituents to build a world in which decent work is not a privilege, but a guaranteed human right.
The defense of labor rights, equity, and human dignity will remain an unwavering banner of the Cuban people.
Thank you