Republic of Cuba

Committee : ECOFIN
Topic : Promotion of Sustained Economic Growth and the Sustainable
Development of SIDS

Improving the economy becomes an important task after worlds commitment in global
development. Many developed states built industries that contribute to major economic growth,
as developing countries try to follow the pattern that leads to the predecessors success. On the
other hand, industrialization contributes to another major issue worth being brought up to
worlds attention; climate change. States now face a serious dilemma; choosing between
economic growth or sustaining the current environmental condition. While developed countries
promote sustainable development, developing countries struggle to conduct those ideas caused
by their lack of capability and financial support.
Cuba is one of the most prominent member of Small Island Developing States. As a
SIDS, Cuba faces many challenges such as climate change and economic development.
Climate change could spell doom for the country, for it means rising sea levels and the
possibility of loss of landmass. Unmitigated natural disasters resulted from the aforementioned
change could also threaten the lives of our citizens. As a small island, Cuba faces
marginalization from global economy caused by its small size, remoteness from large markets,
and high economic vulnerability to economic and natural shocks beyond domestic controls.
Cubas productive sectors also heavily depend on the limited natural resource that is available.
Lack of financial support further contributes to the countrys development due to declining
economic conditions.1
Small island developing states, especially Cuba, need support to even out the negative
effects of global climate change. A framework for climate change mitigation should be instated
in every small island developing states, as it could potentially mean saving lives and resources.
Commitment has to be had by not only developing states, but also developed ones. This
commitment and action could be institutionalized by United Nations bodies such as UNFCCC
and UNEP in their attempt to address climate change. These bodies should be strengthened by
the aforementioned commitments, by creating a new environmental action framework
especially ones that involve SIDS.
To improve the well-being of Cuban citizens, Cuba needs economic growth. Removing
barriers for foreign investments to SIDS is one of the most important decision that should
be taken by both sides in the bargain. One main issue is the embargo imposed by the United
States of America that presents major challenges to development and growth. Nurturing a
relationship with the International Financial Institutions and seeking opportunities for
microcredit through them would also help SIDS grow at a steady rate.
In tackling both environmental and economic problems, cooperation between states
is needed. These cooperation could be formed in forms of financial aid, capacity building,
and technology transfer. Developed countries hold critical role in these particular programs
because they have more knowledge and technology available to overcome such problems.

1
Boto, Isolina. Biasca, Ronalee. Small Island Economies: Vulnerabilities and Opportunities. Brussels Rural
Development Briefing, no. 27. (April 2012.)