US blockade on Cuba affects funding for UN projects

HAVANA, Cuba, Jul 2 (ACN) Francisco Pichon, resident coordinator of the United Nations System in Cuba (UNS), said how much the U.S. blockade and the unjust inclusion of the Caribbean country in the list of states that promote terrorism affect the management of financing for economic, social and environmental projects in the Caribbean nation.

The assessment was made by the high official after visiting in Havana, along with representatives of some agencies of that international organization and local media, institutions with results in the cooperation that they provide here with resources, advice and training.

He pointed out that the U.S. economic sanctions are opposed to Cuba's political commitment to the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda.

As an example, he mentioned the negative impact of these policies on the promotion of programs such as the program for the advancement of women and the Comprehensive Strategy for the Attention and Prevention of Gender Violence in the Family Scenario.

This obviously affects the need for investment in infrastructure and other areas in many sectors, although as a United Nations system it is our obligation to seek innovative forms and tools for financing.

According to Francisco Pichon, the U.S. blockade increases the cost of the supplies that UN agencies provide to Cuba and imposes restrictions in terms of suppliers, access to financial services, technologies, information and communication for development.

The resident coordinator of the United Nations System pointed out that in his recent visit to Havana Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, condemned both the blockade and the inclusion of the island on the list of State sponsors of terrorism.

He recalled that he also praised Cuba's adherence or defense of the strengthening of multilateralism, peace and international security, and asked President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez that in September the island will be present at the so-called Summit of the Future in New York.

On Monday, as part of the presentation of the Report on the results of the United Nations System in Cuba, corresponding to 2023, different institutions confirmed the contributions of their agencies, funds and programs to support the sustainable development of the country.