Mr. Chairman,
Cuba endorses the statements made by Ecuador on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; El Salvador on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC); and Maldives on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States.
We commend the Secretary-General for the reports presented on the issue under discussion.
Mr. Chairman,
In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent, never before had the role of the United Nations been so notable in promoting development. Implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development requires recognition and respect for the diversity of approaches, visions and models decided by each people, considering their diverse national circumstances and priorities. A transparent, open, non-discriminatory and inclusive multilateral system, one that maximizes the benefits of globalization while minimizing its costs, is imperative.
However, we face another reality: globalization advances under neoliberal precepts, exacerbating the inequalities that exist in our planet. The development gap separating the North from the South continues to grow. Global problems such as poverty, chronic hunger, illiteracy, unemployment and death from preventable and curable diseases are perpetuated. The resources to addressing these problems are available; the only thing lacking, however, is commitment and political will to transform this sad reality.
Cuba reiterates the need for a New International Economic Order, based on equity, sovereign equality, common benefit and cooperation among all States; that redresses current inequalities and injustices and ensures just economic and social development for present and future generations. Developing countries need to achieve technological sovereignty, better access to financing, investment, training, infrastructure development, as well as the transfer of intellectual property and technologies. Cuba looks forward to the advancement of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism, as well as the implementation of the Technology Bank and the science, technology and innovation supporting mechanism dedicated to the least developed countries.
Mr. Chairman,
Middle-income countries face challenges in their development that prevent them from effectively addressing poverty eradication and other economic and social imbalances. The level of income, as a classification criterion to access development cooperation flows, is a limited and reductionist approach. Middle-income countries cannot be excluded or discriminated against as development aid destinations. This undermines the fulfillment of their national development objectives and the commitments undertaken at the international level.
Cuba recognizes that the countries in special situations such as the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States are in greatest need for development resources. We advocate a multidimensional, more comprehensive and complete methodology for classifying the level of development, particularly for middle-income countries, going beyond gross national product and levels of per capita income and considering their particular characteristics and special challenges.
Mr. Chairman,
My country struggles and works for its development under unique circumstances imposed by the unjust and criminal blockade of the United States. Nevertheless, Cuba shows important achievements in its economic and social development thanks to the efforts of our people and the cooperation provided by sister countries from our region and worldwide. Our aim is to globalize cooperation and solidarity, the reason why we have more than 40,000 workers in 64 countries around the world.
Cuba upholds and will always maintain its supreme commitment to equity, social justice and the full development of all peoples and every human being. We are convinced that the transcendental solutions that the world needs will require drawing all our strengths together for the common good of our peoples.
Thank you very much.