Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has made a powerful appeal for a reimagined international order, one that prioritizes equity and development for all nations, particularly those in the Global South. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Parrilla expressed deep solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning what he referred to as the “genocidal extermination and ethnic cleansing” perpetrated by Israel. His remarks come at a time when global disparities in wealth and power are stark, with a small number of countries and individuals holding more wealth than the majority of the world combined.
Parrilla emphasized the importance of the United Nations as the most representative body of the international community, arguing that it must be protected and strengthened. He called for a new international order that guarantees the right to development, sovereign equality, and the participation of developing nations in global policy decisions. This aligns with the UN Secretary-General’s reform initiatives aimed at enhancing the intergovernmental nature of the organization and improving its ability to address pressing global challenges.
In a critical tone, Parrilla urged the international community to reject the doctrine of “peace through strength,” describing it as a tool of U.S. imperialism that undermines the foundational values of the UN. He pointed out the long-standing economic blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States, which has lasted for over six decades. He characterized the blockade as an “economic war,” designed to deprive Cubans of their basic livelihoods and sustainability.
Cuba’s current situation, according to Parrilla, is dire, marked by prolonged blackouts, food insecurity, a lack of access to essential medicines, and soaring inflation that erodes the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. He painted a grim picture of daily life on the island, highlighting the struggles faced by the Cuban populace amidst systemic economic challenges exacerbated by external pressures.
Parrilla also raised alarms about the potential for conflict in the Caribbean, criticizing the deployment of U.S. military forces in the region under the guise of combating crime and drug trafficking. He called this a dangerous pretext that violates international law and heightens tensions rather than fostering stability.
On the critical issue of climate change, the foreign minister warned that current unsustainable patterns of production and consumption—particularly those driven by capitalist frameworks—are putting the planet at risk. He stated, “If the unsustainable patterns of production and consumption of capitalism are not fundamentally changed, we will exceed the fateful threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius before 2030.” His remarks underscore the urgent need for collective action to mitigate climate change and protect the environment.
Parrilla also addressed the challenges posed by rapidly evolving technologies and the influence of a few transnational corporations that dominate the digital landscape. He criticized what he called the “dictatorship of the algorithm,” where the content that individuals consume is controlled by powerful entities rather than being freely accessible. He urged the UN to establish common standards that ensure technology, particularly artificial intelligence, serves the interests of all people rather than a privileged few.
In conclusion, Parrilla’s address at the UN General Assembly serves as a clarion call for a more just and equitable world order. He articulated the need for solidarity among nations, the rejection of imperialistic practices, and a collective commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of our time—issues that resonate deeply in our interconnected global community.
