Mr. Chairman,
Cuba endorses the statements delivered by the delegation of Ecuador on behalf of the G-77 and China; Maldives on behalf of AOSIS and El Salvador on behalf of CELAC.
We are grateful for the report and the relevant documents submitted by the Secretary-General under Agenda Item 20.
Mr. Chairman,
The progress shown in the world, seventeen years after the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and two years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is insufficient and unequal. Unacceptable levels of poverty, discrimination and social inequality persist even within the industrialized nations themselves. The gap between the North and the South and the polarization of wealth are on the raise. The continuing inefficient and indiscriminate use of the planet's scarce natural resources maintains unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. Large amounts of financial resources are spent for trading, arms dealing and speculative purposes.
This Committee has at least the responsibility to acknowledge the causes explaining why, almost 20 years later, we are facing the same or even worse difficulties, without the slightest sign of a fair and definitive solution to these problems.
For our country, discussion must revolve around the root causes and systemic issues of the prevailing world order; the means of implementation for the achievement of sustainable development; the fulfillment of the commitments undertaken and never fulfilled in the major United Nations Conferences; as well as to build up political will of the developed countries to deliver on their historic commitments and responsibilities.
We are therefore confident that ignoring the necessity to address outstanding issues and distorting emerging issues only deepens the social, economic and environmental gap to the detriment of the most vulnerable countries.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba believes that sustainable development continues to urgently demand greater common efforts on the basis of inclusive and coherent policies, a reinvigorated Global Partnership, an effective mobilization of financial resources and an enabling environment at all levels; as well as the promotion of capacity-building, including the statistical capacities and the transfer of technology to developing countries.
For its part, the United Nations system should attach particular priority to the eradication of poverty, as the greatest global challenge and a prerequisite for sustainable development. It should provide further support and effective assistance to States, based on the balanced and integrated implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the SDGs, as well as other global development objectives that are outstanding matters.
Implementing the 2030 Agenda demands that no person or country is left behind. This is a maxim that we must assume as a real premise. This involves recognition and respect for the diversity of approaches, visions, models and instruments decided by each country in exercising their right to self-determination and considering their different national circumstances and priorities.
Mr. Chairman,
In 2016, for the third consecutive year, global average temperature records were beaten and the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season has been the most destructive one since 2005. All of this confirms that climate change poses a threat to the survival of humanity and to the sustainable development of our peoples.
Cuba ratifies its commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement, which we recognize as an important starting point to fight the effects of climate change. We urge States Parties to work for achieving its compliance and expanding its scope, on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities and recognizing the vulnerabilities of the least developed countries, especially the Small Island States.
Mr. Chairman,
There are many challenges we must overcome. However, we reaffirm Cuba's commitment to the search for a just, equitable and inclusive world that recognizes people as the key element of sustainable development.
Thank you very much.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.