Cuba calls for support for the least developed countries during preparation of the 5th United Nations Conference on the LDCs

New York, 8 February 2021. Ambassador Ana Silvia Rodríguez Abascal, Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, participated today in the organizational session of the Preparatory Committee of the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries.

In said event, the Cuban diplomat highlighted the importance of the full implementation of the goals and priority action areas established in the Istanbul Programme of Action for the full achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the least developed countries.

She stated that the pandemic has increased the challenges facing the least developed countries, exacerbating several pre-existing vulnerabilities, in such a way that they have experienced a significant setback in the economic and social progress made in recent years, including in poverty reduction efforts and other social outcomes.

Rodríguez Abascal called for strengthening the means of implementation in support for the least developed countries, including financing, technology transfer, capacity building and partnership building. She affirmed that we must promote a new, fair and equitable international economic order. Developed countries must honor their historic responsibilities and international commitments, including on Official Development Assistance, as well as more ambitious climate change mitigation targets.

Cuba upholds the universal right to development, based on mutual respect and recognition of common but differentiated responsibilities. Hence its strong commitment to South-South Cooperation as a complement that can contribute to the sustainable development of the least developed countries.

Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations