New York, January 23, 2026. – Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Cuba's Permanent Representative to the UN, addressed the special meeting to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). He warned of the growing challenges facing multilateralism and the threats to sustainable development.
The Ambassador emphasised that this commemoration is taking place in an extremely challenging context, characterised by coercion and disregard for international law, as well as the systematic violation of the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. This marks a turning point for the multilateral system.
He stressed that the limited progress made in sustainable development is under serious threat due to a lack of political commitment to supporting developing countries, and the failure of the Organization’s main financial contributor to comply with its key commitments, which undermines the 2030 Agenda and the pillars of sustainable development.
The Cuban representative to the UN also pointed out the concern raised by the attempt to relegate the economic and social dimensions — which represent the core of ECOSOC's mandate — under the argument of focusing the work of the United Nations exclusively on peace and security. This ignores the fact that there can be no lasting peace without development, nor security without social justice.
Cuba reiterated its strong condemnation of the coercive, unilateral measures imposed by the United States, particularly the economic, commercial and financial blockade, which is the main obstacle to Cuba’s development. Cuba warned that ignoring these facts would constitute complicity in neocolonial practices.
In closing his address, the Cuban diplomat reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to a strengthened, inclusive and development-oriented ECOSOC. He also emphasized that, while confrontation and the use of force continue to prevail over dialogue and cooperation, the United Nations will struggle to fulfill its mandate.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations