Latin America and the Caribbean Week Opens at UNESCO
Paris, 3 June 2025. Latin America and the Caribbean Week was officially inaugurated at UNESCO. The celebration is centered on the theme of the biocultural diversity of the region. With a four-day program, the scheduled activities will run until 6 June.
The opening ceremony was attended by UNESCO’s leadership, including its Director-General, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, who, in her remarks, highlighted the value of international cooperation in protecting diversity through an alliance between traditional knowledge, science, and cultures. In this regard, she underscored the contribution of the “Transcultura” program, implemented from Havana, and its importance in strengthening Caribbean artistic creation.
The Cuban delegation is participating with various proposals, such as the exhibition of the results of the local development project “Flora: Grandma's Pharmacy,” the only UNESCO chair on natural medicine in the region, located at the University of Havana; an illustrated presentation on the history of Cuban son, which will also feature a live performance by the quartet “Son mío” and Cuban dancers; as well as the now traditional “Cuban Mojito Bar.”
Cuba’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO Participates in Exchange on the “UN 80” Initiative
Paris, 28 May 2025. Cuban Ambassador María de Carmen Herrera Caseiro, Permanent Representative of Cuba to UNESCO, took part in an informal exchange session between members of UNESCO’s Executive Board and Mr. Guy Ryder, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Policy, regarding the “UN 80” initiative led by Secretary-General António Guterres.
In her remarks, the Cuban Ambassador reiterated Cuba’s support for efforts aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the multilateral system. She also inquired about the transparency of the process, the composition of the task force, the criteria for its selection, and the expected timeline of work. She emphasized that any reform process must preserve the intergovernmental nature of the United Nations and be guided by the full involvement of the governing bodies of each entity within the system.
The Cuban delegation supported the need for close engagement of Member States in the reform process, as well as for equitable representation and participation of all countries, including those with lower levels of development. She also echoed concerns expressed regarding the mechanisms through which UNESCO can contribute from its unique mandate as a specialized agency, and how its input will be reflected in the final decisions.
Cuba’s Ambassador to UNESCO signs Book of Condolences in tribute to comrade Tran Duc Luong, former President of Vietnam
Paris, 30 May 2025. The Ambassador of Cuba and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, H.E. María del Carmen Herrera Caseiro, signed the Book of Condolences at the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Paris on the passing of H.E. Mr. Tran Duc Luong, former member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party and former President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
On behalf of the Cuban Party, Government, and people, as well as the Permanent Delegation of Cuba to UNESCO, the Ambassador conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Party, Government, and people of Vietnam, and to the family of the dear comrade and friend.
Cuba participates in the 8th Meeting of the States Parties to the 1970 UNESCO Convention
Paris, 20 May 2025 — Cuba took an active part in the Eighth Meeting of States Parties to the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, held on 19 and 20 May at UNESCO Headquarters.
During her statement, the Cuban delegate Laura Álvarez Delgado emphasized the importance of the expansion of the Convention’s membership, with the recent accession of new States Parties, as a key element in strengthening international cooperation in the protection of cultural heritage and the fight against illicit trafficking in cultural property.
Cuba participates in a meeting on the Ethics of Neurotechnology
Paris, May 16, 2025. The Permanent Delegation of Cuba to UNESCO participated, from May 12 to 16, in the Intergovernmental Meeting of Experts for the Preparation of a Final Draft Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology, held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris.
Through its active participation in this process, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international ethical frameworks for the use of emerging technologies, in support of sustainable human development and the defense of fundamental rights.