Strengthening Global Cooperation

By Kristen Hecht, UNA-NCA Director at Large

From January 28-31, 2025, UNA-NCA Board Member Kristen Hecht proudly participated in the Sixth International Conference, “For World Balance,” in Havana, Cuba. This inspiring global gathering, centered on “Strengthening Multilateralism as an Indispensable Mechanism for Global Balance,” brought together hundreds of international civil society leaders committed to advancing peace, security, human rights, and global cooperation.

Attendance was open to members of NGOs and social movements, activists, policymakers, economists, scientists, academics, religious leaders, writers, historians, journalists, and artists. Representatives from UNA chapters from the United States, Philippines, and Indonesia joined fellow leaders from across the world in this impactful exchange of ideas (pictured left). UNA members spoke on:

• Global Citizenship Education for Conflict Resolution and Peace Building (Akash Patel, UNA-Dallas and Chair of the UNA-USA National Council);
• The Civil Society perspective in 2025 and the Role of UNAs in advancing the Compact for the Future (Alesia Morris, UNA-Greater Detroit and UNA-USA Regional Representative);
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): exploring the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental issues” (Krystal Cruz, UNA-Columbia University in New York and UNA-USA Regional Representative);
• The Case for Multilateralism in a Time of Global Isolation (John Dalton, UNA-Southern Arizona and UNA-USA Regional Representative);
• The importance of the United Nations at the time of its 80th anniversary (Roderick Cruz, UNA-Philippines).

Beyond the main sessions, UNA-Cuba hosted dynamic side events, creating valuable opportunities for UN Associations to recognize the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and collaborate on strategies to support the 2030 Agenda and Compact for the Future. These discussions reinforced the power of collective action in tackling today’s global challenges. Side events included:

• Visiting Havana University and speaking with Model UN studentsInteracting with Model UN students, in which Ms. Hecht spoke on a panel about Global Classrooms® DC (GCDC), UNA-NCA’s flagship education program that introduces students grades 5-12 to the work of the United Nations and international issues (pictured right);
• Hearing from civil society representatives at Havana University, including Aziel Philippos, Secretary-General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA); Ambassador Juan Antonio Quintanilla, General Director of the Department of Multilateral Affairs and International Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba; and Norma Goicochea Estenoz, President of UNA-Cuba;
• Meeting with United Nations representatives at the Office of the United Nations in Cuba from UNESCO, UNDP, and UN-Habitat, as well as the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Cuba;
• Visiting the headquarters of UNA-Cuba and interacting with its highly engaged and welcoming staff, members, and leaders.

During the conference in Havana, attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cuba’s rich cultural landscape through a variety of unforgettable outings:

• Walking Tour of Old Havana – Delegates explored the heart of Havana’s historic district (pictured below, left), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant plazas showcased the city’s timeless charm;
• Street Art & Afro-Cuban Culture at Callejón de Hamel – This colorful, mural-covered alley came to life with music, dance, and Afro-Cuban artistic expression. Visitors witnessed firsthand how this iconic space serves as a hub for cultural activism, artistic heritage, and community celebration;
• Havana International Jazz Festival – From January 6 to February 2, 2025, the 40th Havana International Jazz Festival brought together world-renowned Cuban performers and international artists. The festival also featured workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions, showcasing the deep global influence of Cuban jazz;
• Supporting Women Entrepreneurs – To cap off an incredible cultural experience, UNA members visited Caché Creativa (pictured below, right), a woman-led artisan shop and cultural project. Attendees enjoyed an inspiring fashion show featuring handcrafted designs and a live concert celebrating local creativity and entrepreneurship.

Havana’s historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (left); Caché Creativa, a woman-led artisan shop that hosted a fashion show featuring handcrafted designs and a live concert celebrating local creativity and entrepreneurship (right)
These experiences provided a deeper connection to Havana’s history, culture, and artistic soul, showcasing the power of culture in shaping identity, history, and community. At the same time, the conference shed light on the economic and social challenges faced by the country today. Cuba, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) and middle-income country (MIC), has one of the lowest GDP per capita in Latin America and is currently experiencing double-digit rates of inflation. The country remains highly sensitive to international fluctuations, with sanctions and embargoes limiting financial development, emergency response, and trade, leading to increased import costs and supply shortages. Extreme climate change exposure and high disaster risks further threaten sustainability efforts. And while Cuba has made notable progress in SDGs related to social protection, health indicators have deteriorated due to shortages of medical supplies, infrastructure deterioration, and decrease in healthcare personnel. Additionally, a decline in food production is heightening food security risks for vulnerable groups. These challenges have contributed to unprecedented migration flows, with around 10% of the population leaving the country. In response, the United Nations in Cuba has been working towards four strategic priorities, as described in the UN Cooperation Framework in Cuba (pictured left):

1. Create a more effective government;
2. Transform production and technology across sectors to support economic growth;
3. Focus on environmental, climate, and disaster risk management; and
4. Advance human development by strengthening social services, with special attention to vulnerable groups (Statistics current as of January 2025; learn more about the United Nations’ work in Cuba).

In considering these challenges and opportunities, the conference provided a powerful platform for fostering meaningful connections among individuals committed to a shared vision of making the world a better place. It brought together old and new allies in a unified effort to raise global awareness and inspire collective action. Through open and respectful dialogue, participants exchanged experiences, ideas, and strategies, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. The spirit of unity and inclusivity that defined the event will continue to drive meaningful change beyond the conference walls to local communities across the world.

Ms. Hecht is honored to be have been part of this conference experience, championing multilateralism and working alongside international partners to build a more just and peaceful world. The conference was made possible through the support of esteemed organizations such as UNESCO, the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture, Soka Gakkai International, the Culture of Peace Foundation, the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), and the Cuban Association of the United Nations. Special gratitude goes to Norma Goicochea Estenoz, President of UNA-Cuba, for organizing the UNA side events and welcoming UNA members who attended from across the United States and beyond.