Singapore, May 30, 2025. Cuban Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Lisbet Quesada Luna, participated at the opening of the CITES Global Youth Summit Network Conference.
The important Summit, organized with the support of the National Parks Board (CITES Management Authority of Singapore) and the CITES Secretariat, was attended by the President of Singapore, His Excellency Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Minister of State Alvin Tan as Guests of Honor.
This year, it brought together more than 60 young leaders from around the world with the CITES knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to address the challenges of wildlife trade; foster collaboration among young professionals from diverse backgrounds and learn from experts on emerging issues and understand various topics covered by CITES; and develop practical solutions to the challenges of wildlife trade. Participants were encouraged to share their success stories, discuss regional action plans, identify regional leaders, and contribute to addressing the illegal wildlife trade. This was a special experience for new generations, reinforcing the advocacy for the protection of biodiversity and nature, and combating the illegal wildlife trade. Last year, the young Cuban Indra Contreras participated.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) has a large number of member states, with more than 180 countries currently participating. These members are bound by the Convention's provisions, with the goal of regulating international wildlife trade to prevent species from becoming endangered due to overexploitation. Singapore and Cuba are member states.