Taking the floor at the Plenary Hall, Pandor praised how science and technology will provide the means to move towards a green economy in the South, as well as to increase production capacity and create added value to mineral resources.

As the South, we must pursue a development agenda based on science and innovation that, he said, will advance our struggle against poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Special attention, she said, should be paid to ensuring equitable access for women to these processes.

We also urge, she said, for a reform of the United Nations system, especially the Security Council.

As the G77+China, she said, we must unite as never before in pursuit of these goals and this is the time for the Global South, Pandor stated.

The South African minister also urged the Group’s members to leave “this Summit in Havana determined to change our status” in the world through the advantageous use of science and technology.

In her remarks to those present, the South African representative expressed her country’s gratitude to the Cuban people and government who sacrificed lives to decisively advance the struggle (in Africa) against colonialism, racism and apartheid.

In her speech, the minister highlighted the value of science and technology in development.

This can be seen in the example of Cuba, subjected to the cruelest and most inhumane sanctions, which must be ended, she said, referring to the economic, commercial, economic and financial blockade imposed by the United States.

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