Mr. Chairman,
Mrs Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD,
The Cuban delegation associates itself with the statements made by the G77, China and GRULAC.
UNCTAD, as the cornerstone of the United Nations system for addressing trade and development issues, as well as other aspects related to finance, technology, investment and sustainable development, has played an important role for developing countries and should continue to do so even more.
The mandate to be adopted at the XVI Ministerial Conference in 2025, which will govern the organisation's work in the period ahead, must take account of international trade that is increasingly influenced by new scientific developments, in particular artificial intelligence and digital platforms, which are changing the face of world trade.
In this context, UNCTAD must increasingly take into account in its projection the problems faced by the most vulnerable economies, respect for policy space, special and differential treatment, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, the challenges of climate change and many other relevant aspects.
Mr President,
It is vitally important for our country that any document resulting from the XVIth Ministerial Conference reflects the need to put an end to measures that impact on the economic and social performance of our countries and that contravene the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The significant increase in the use of these measures clearly demonstrates the relevance and urgency of this mandate.
The economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba more than 60 years ago constitutes an obstacle to the normal development of Cuban imports and exports and to the development and well-being of the Cuban people.
Similarly, the arbitrary and unjustified inclusion of the country on the United States' unilateral list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism has extraordinary negative consequences for the Cuban economy, due to its intimidating effect and the obstacle to the economic and financial transactions of third parties with Cuba, for fear of being fined. In June this year, the Group of 77 and China and the Non-Aligned Movement, through its Joint Coordinating Committee, demanded Cuba's immediate exclusion from this unilateral list.
Such policies, which hinder the development of peoples, must be widely rejected within this Organisation.
The preparatory process for the XVI Ministerial Conference is approaching, a new opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to UNCTAD, to implement the ministerial mandates adopted, in particular the Bridgetown Agreement, and to work towards the necessary revitalisation of UNCTAD in the area of trade and development.
Cuba is pleased to reiterate its commitment to continue working constructively with UNCTAD.
Thank you for your attention.