Cuba Joined Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
President Miguel Diaz-Canel addressed the 2026 World Food Forum while criticizing the long-standing U.S. blockade.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Agriculture
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Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel participated in the 2026 World Food Forum in Rome to advocate for national food security. During the summit, Cuba officially joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
Why it matters
The president argued that decades of U.S. sanctions have severely hindered Cuban agricultural production. By joining the alliance, the nation seeks international support to bolster domestic food systems and reduce dependence on external inputs.
The FAO has mobilized nearly US$100 million in technical assistance and resources for Cuba. This comes as global figures indicate that over 640 million people suffer from extreme hunger worldwide.
The players
Miguel Diaz-Canel
He is the President of Cuba who recently represented the nation at the global food summit in Italy.
Food and Agriculture Organization
This United Nations agency leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
The details
Cuba presented two specific projects under the FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative focused on honey and coffee production. The government is currently prioritizing scientific innovation and a transition to renewable energy to bypass constraints created by the U.S. energy blockade.
Timeline
The U.S. imposed an energy blockade on Cuba beginning in January 2026.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel participated in the World Food Forum on October 12, 2026.
Market Landscape
Cuba is leveraging the FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative to align its domestic agricultural sector with international standards. This move follows a long-standing pattern of seeking multilateral partnerships to mitigate the economic impacts of external trade restrictions.
While the alliance focuses on high-level state cooperation, consumers should monitor potential shifts in the availability of exported Cuban agricultural products like honey and coffee. Success in these initiatives could eventually stabilize prices for these specific goods in participating markets.
The takeaway
The event highlights how nations under trade embargoes attempt to navigate global development frameworks to ensure food stability. Countries facing similar logistical blockades often pivot toward decentralization and local scientific innovation to manage resource scarcity.
Further reading
Learn more about global food security efforts on our Agriculture page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TeleSURenglish.
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