Mr. Vice Chairperson, Ms. Deputy Secretary-General
Cuba associates itself with the statements made by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and by Palau on behalf of AOSIS.
We recognize the progress of the Resident Coordinator System in aligning UN entities with national priorities and maximizing their impact, despite diminishing available financial resources.
Cuba has been able to witness directly the positive outcome of this system, through the work of the Resident Coordinator, Francisco Pichón, whom we thank for his constant support and commitment, particularly in the face of natural disasters and facing the serious consequences of the blockade.
Despite the tightening of the economic and energy siege against Cuba, the United Nations system has continued to mobilize resources, cooperation and international assistance for the benefit of our people. The agencies, funds and programs present in Cuba daily note the negative impact of this criminal policy on the daily life of Cubans and on the effective implementation of projects and the arrival of assistance on the ground.
The UN is now facing unprecedented financial pressure, exacerbated by the failure of its major contributor to meet its financial obligations. A troubling matter is the continued decline in voluntary contributions to the resident coordinator system, which is now at its lowest level since its inception, and a funding gap of $45.7 million.
Developing countries cannot and should not bear the cost of cooperation and assistance to advance the SDGs on their own. There is an urgent need to honor international commitments on financing for development and strengthen international cooperation. Otherwise, the operational capacity and effectiveness of the UN development system will continue to be weakened, leaving millions behind.
Thank you very much.