Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed harsh criticism towards the United Nations on Saturday, asserting that the organization is ineffective as an international conflict mediator.
During his speech at the High-Level Forum of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and Africa in Bogotá, Petro stated, "The United Nations cannot prevent wars... one could easily argue that they no longer serve their purpose."
Petro argued that the UN risks falling into "paralysis" due to its inability to address major global issues, particularly armed conflicts. He emphasized, "If we want to avoid escalating the Middle East conflict into a global economic, social, and military catastrophe, humanity must demand, vocally and publicly, an immediate ceasefire," referencing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
At the summit, Petro handed the pro tempore presidency of CELAC to Yamandú Orsi. Orsi remarked, "Our region made a profound political decision long ago to choose peace... not as an empty slogan, but as a living way to build freedoms," upon assuming leadership for the 2026-2027 period.
Meanwhile, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parilla declared that the regime is open to a "serious dialogue" with the United States, provided it occurs "without interference."
"We are ready for a serious and responsible dialogue with the U.S. government, without meddling in each other’s internal affairs or political, economic, and social systems," Rodríguez stated at the same forum, according to EFE.
In his address, Rodríguez repeated the familiar rhetoric of the Cuban regime, asserting Cuba's commitment to defending its sovereignty "at all costs" and criticizing the intensification of U.S. sanctions.
"Today, we witness the return of aggressive imperialist practices, barely disguised by modern rhetoric. Washington’s doctrine of peace through force is the new guise for domination, military interventions, threats, and the use of force," he proclaimed.
Rodríguez also solicited support from Latin American and African nations for Cuba's medical missions, affirming that "no discredit campaign can erase the proven and significant impact of Cuba’s collaboration in health sectors worldwide over the past six decades."
Earlier in the week, the Cuban foreign minister accused the United States of attempting to "destroy the constitutional order and take control of the country," following comments by former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Cuba.
Understanding the Criticism Toward the United Nations
Why did Gustavo Petro criticize the United Nations?
Gustavo Petro criticized the United Nations for its inability to prevent wars and effectively mediate international conflicts, suggesting that the organization is becoming irrelevant.
What was Petro's suggestion to avoid a global catastrophe?
Petro suggested that humanity must demand an immediate ceasefire through public and vocal means to prevent the Middle East conflict from escalating into a global catastrophe.
What stance does Cuba's Bruno Rodríguez have toward the United States?
Bruno Rodríguez expressed willingness for a dialogue with the United States, provided it is conducted without interference in each other's internal affairs.