These breakthroughs have not only served the Cuban people, said UN chief as he acknowledged the generosity of Cuba, which allowed its use by other countries, victims of the inequality of international access to vaccines.

During the inauguration of the G77+China Summit, the UN leader agreed on the importance of accessing science, technology and innovation for the promotion of the countries of the South, the central theme of the bloc’s meeting in La Havana.

Guterres recalled that during the scourge of Covid-19, the richest nations hoarded vaccines while the pandemic spread through the Global South.

Meanwhile, African countries pay three times more than the global average for data, while tech titans amassed unimaginable wealth, he added.

“Only global action can address these inequalities, ensure a just transition to a digital economy and ensure that, in a new technological era, no one is left behind,” he said.

In that regard, the UN Secretary-General recognized the contributions from the G77+China to lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, as well as its efforts in the United Nations to search for global solutions and promote solidarity.

Global systems and frameworks have failed the group, Guterres stressed, recognizing the impact of the global configuration to generate problems in the South such as poverty, hunger, rising prices, increasing debt or climate disasters, which are increasingly frequent.

“The conclusion is clear: the world is failing developing countries. In order to change this, we need measures at the national level to ensure good governance, mobilize resources and prioritize sustainable development,” he added.

The world needs provisions that respect national ownership, with a view to building a global system that upholds human rights and look after common interests, he added.

In order to do this, he insisted, the G77+China must raise their voices to fight for a world that works for everyone.

jg/mgt/ebr