In his speech at the first regular session of the Executive Board of UNICEF, the Cuban Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón, reiterated his country’s willingness to contribute, in this regard, to the development of joint projects.

The diplomat acknowledged the outstanding work of the organization at a global level, despite difficult circumstances and limitations in basic resources.

He said that the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan and the rest of the Organization’s programmatic documents have allowed the entity to coordinate the global response for the well-being of children around the world better, particularly those who still live in extreme poverty.

“In Cuba, we value the progress achieved,” said Soberón, noting that “the challenges identified will contribute to improving strategies and redoubling efforts before the 2026-2029 period,” he pointed out.

We hope that the next Strategic Plan will be ambitious and inclusive, “so that UNICEF is in a better position to face the complexities of the current international context and the ever-increasing challenges for developing countries,” he added.

He expressed his delegation’s willingness to participate actively and constructively during its preparation and consideration process, in order to ensure that the final document responds effectively to the well-being of children and adolescents, particularly those living in more vulnerable conditions.

In 2024, UNICEF’s support for our national efforts in preparing for and responding to tropical storms, hurricanes and other natural phenomena was fundamental, the Cuban diplomat recalled.

The agency’s response has been essential in the recovery of educational centers, in ensuring access to water, hygiene and sanitation, as well as in the acquisition of medical supplies, he added.

However, resources are limited in the face of enormous needs. “In this regard, we insist on the need for flexible, adequate and predictable resources that allow UNICEF to carry out its mandate.”

The Cuban ambassador also congratulated Jonibek Ismoil Hikmat, permanent representative of Tajikistan before the United Nations for his election as president of the Board for this year. “We are sure that under his leadership the success of the Board will be guaranteed in its work during this period,” he emphasized.

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