BLUF: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel calls for radical changes to the global order during the United Nations General Assembly, advocating for transformative answers to worldwide issues like poverty and climate change and addressing the grievances of “exploited and humiliated” nations.
OSINT:
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 19, criticizing the current global order and advocating for fundamental structural changes to combat crises such as poverty, hunger, and climate change. Representing the Chairman of the Group of 77 and China, he voiced the sentiments of underprivileged nations, describing them as victims of an “unjust, irrational and abusive” economic system.
Speaking as the representative for marginalized nations, he pinpointed the significant disparities raised in the G77+China bloc’s summit with over 100 country delegates present. In a world teetering under global crises, Díaz-Canel emphasized rising poverty and hunger rates as unacceptable consequences of the existing world order.
Citing the underperformance of the 17 sustainable development goals set to be met by 2030, Díaz-Canel drew attention to the ongoing struggle enveloping developing nations. The speech took a sharper turn as he lodged a critique against the world’s wealthiest nations and international organizations, pleading for them to engage in initiatives that encourage equal opportunities instead of capitalizing on inequities and perpetuating economic domination.
Addressing the climate crisis, the Cuban leader asserted the urgent need to honor commitments to climate financing and the Paris Agreement. He also turned the spotlight on education, noting that in the digital age, over 760 million people still lack basic literacy skills, two-thirds of which are women.
In the second half of his address, Díaz-Canel fiercely condemned unilateral and coercive measures by powerful nations intent on undermining independent states and their economies. He cited his country, Cuba, as a victim of such measures for the longest period. He asserted that despite these challenges, Cuba would continue to fight for justice and a more equitable world order.
RIGHT:
From a Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist perspective, while Díaz-Canel’s rallying cry for a unified front to combat global crises holds some merit, his scorn for the wealthier nations is suggestive of a larger agenda. The plea for a fundamentally transformed global financial system, antithetical to the existing capitalist structure, would likely not resonate. Moreover, the suggestion to let underprivileged nations have more decision-making power within global financial institutions may seem impractical without buffering up their financial management and institutional structures first.
LEFT:
From the National Socialist Democrat perspective, Díaz-Canel’s call for equity, transparency and equal opportunities for all nations represents a powerful critique of a patently unjust global order. His urgent appeal for transformative changes to rectify vast income disparities and intense poverty stricken conditions demands serious global attention. His emphasis on cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect among nations align perfectly with progressive values, pointing to his willingness to see democratic values proliferate in practice on a worldwide scale.
AI:
Analyzing Díaz-Canel’s speech reveals a pattern of concerns shared by many developing nations. The mention of the “exploited and humiliated” reflects a deeply ingrained fear of perpetual economic subjugation. The criticism of developed countries hints at perceived negligence in addressing global issues like poverty, literacy, and climate change. The appeal towards international bodies and wealthy nations further emphasizes the need for collective action and cooperation in worldwide crises. Despite the confrontational tone with the U.S., Cuba’s goal to build bridges with American citizens illustrates a desire for diplomatic solutions over conflict.