At the event, organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC), Rivas affirmed that the multiple challenges posed by the current international order are aggravated by the blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba for more than 60 years and intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This exponential impact has been reinforced with the arbitrary and unjustified inclusion of Cuba in the States Sponsor of Terrorism List, issued by the US Department of State, the head of the Cuban delegation denounced.
This measure weighs on all areas of the country’s life, as it implies a reinforcement of the difficulties to participate in international trade, carry out financial operations and acquire basic inputs for the population and development.
Despite the blockade and the impact of Covid-19, Cuba has shown progress since the presentation of its first Voluntary National Report in 2021.
Regarding the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, the Cuban population’s access to these basic services is considered a strategic matter for the nation.
Cuba’s interventions are materialized through the Comprehensive Hydraulic Development Program, aligned with the SDGs and with our National Development Plan.
However, they face challenges related to the climate crisis and drought, similar to our Caribbean brothers, who demand better access to external financing and new ecologically sound technologies and on favorable terms.
In terms of clean and affordable energy, Cuba promotes the “Policy for the development of renewable sources and the efficient use of energy (2014-2030),” and is expected to increase generation from 4 to 32 percent by 2030.
This goal has been seriously affected by the obstacles imposed by the US blockade to attract foreign investment to the sector, which also has a direct impact on the sustainable industrialization process to which the country aspires.
Faced with existing challenges, Cuba promotes the effective management of science, technology and innovation, at the national level and as part of its cooperation.
In 2021, the State Budget financed 43 percent of science expenditures, while business sources covered 52 percent.
Through public financing mechanisms, Cuba’s priority projects have been supported, such as the development of homegrown vaccines against Covid-19.
In addition, Cuba is committed to reducing imports, promoting exports and opportunities for foreign direct investment, in a more dynamic economic environment based on the participation of state companies, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives and other stakeholders.
The Cuban deputy minister noted that the current context demands, as never before, maintaining the decisive role of CELAC in the pursuit of the region’s efforts to comply with the 2030 Agenda.
jg/mem/car
