New York, 1 October 2019.The eradication of poverty, the reduction of inequality, the promotion of productive employment, decent work for all and an inclusive society continue to be fundamental development objectives, stated Mirta Granda Averhoff, Head of the Department of Political Affairs of the General Division for Multilateral Affairs of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who participated today in the general debate on Agenda Item 25: Social Development (a) Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly and (b) Social development, including questions relating to the world social situation and to youth, ageing, disabled persons and the family, of the UN agenda.
The Cuban representative recalled that the commitments of the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen in 1995 are still valid. She highlighted that the island agrees with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, that States must increase social expenditure, guarantee universal health coverage, universal access to high-quality education and strengthen social protection systems without discrimination of any kind.
She also took advantage of the opportunity to denounce the recent aggression against Cuba by the Government of the United States through a USAID program aimed at financing actions to discredit and sabotage the international cooperation provided by the country in the area of health in dozens of countries and for the benefit of millions of people. This, she explained, is part of the policy of economic, commercial and financial blockade against the island, which directly hinders and is the main obstacle to its social development.
Despite this, Cuba continues to attain remarkable achievements in social issues and has already met several Sustainable Development Goals, with programs that protect young people, the disabled and the elderly, especially when it is estimated that in the year 2030, in Cuba there will be 3.3 million people aged 60 years or older, she said.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations