Havana - Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez urged the countries of the G-77+China Group to step up the fight for their rights to achieve sustainable development.
"Only in this way will we be in a position to take our rightful place in this world," said the Cuban statesman.
The Cuban president made the statement at the opening speech of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the organisation, which brings together 134 states, including Angola, represented at the forum by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço.
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez defended the need to mobilise resources to support countries' efforts to achieve development, restricted by centuries of exploitation, colonialism and plunder.
For the Cuban statesman, it is necessary to break down the current international barriers that have hindered developing countries' access to knowledge and the utilisation of key factors for economic and social progress.
According to Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the summit is taking place at a time when humanity has reached an unimaginable technical-scientific potential, with an extraordinary capacity to generate wealth and well-being, in conditions of greater equality, equity and justice.
Miguel Díaz-Canel also referred to the unjust international economic order and the anti-democratic global financial architecture in force, as well as the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
He also lamented the persistence of geopolitical tensions and conflicts, food and energy insecurity, market volatility and digital exclusion.
In the midst of this complex international scenario, the Cuban President said developing countries continue to endeavour to advance their national development priorities.
The Cuban President said he considered science, technology and innovation to be essential tools for accelerating the pace of economic diversification and transformation and increasing productivity and competitiveness to facilitate the full integration of developing countries into the global economy.
After the official opening ceremony of the event, which focuses on combating poverty in developing countries, several Heads of State or their representatives spoke in the general debate, where they presented their views on global sustainable development.
The Angolan President was the third speaker in the general debate, having defended the access of the G77+China group to long-term financing under favourable repayment conditions, so that they can invest in the main infrastructures for their development.
Saturday's programme includes speeches by the Head of State of Brazil, Lula da Silva, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Congo, Jean-Claude Gakosso, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe, Frederick Shava, and representatives of international organisations.
The Summit, which closes on Saturday, is being attended by more than 100 Heads of State and government from the group with the theme "Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation", with working sessions spread over two days.
Cuba is chairing the G77 group for the first time.
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