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The Embassy of Cuba in Geneva |
Contact
Address
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cuba to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland
Chemin de Valérie 100
1292 Chambésy
Phone Number
+41 22 758 94 30
Fax Number
+41 22 758 94 31
Website
http://misiones.minrex.gob.cu/es/oficina-de-las-naciones-unidas-en-ginebra/misi…
The Ambassador
H.E. Mr. Rodolfo Benítez Verson
H.E. Mr. Rodolfo Benítez Verson is the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cuba to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva. He presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, upon assuming his position.
Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr. Benítez Verson served as Director-General for Multilateral Affairs and International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba since 2021. From 2017 to 2021, he was Ambassador of Cuba to South Africa. He previously served as Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations in New York from 2009 to 2012, having also been posted to Cuba’s Permanent Mission in New York from 2006 to 2009 and from 1997 to 2003.
Throughout his diplomatic career, Mr. Benítez Verson has held several senior positions within Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Head of the Department of Multilateral Political Affairs (2012–2017) and Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (2004–2006). He was also involved in Cuba’s role as a guarantor in the Colombian peace process and, in 2017, was awarded the Order of San Carlos, degree of Grand Cross, by the President and Government of Colombia for his contribution to the successful mediation of the peace process.
Mr. Benítez Verson holds a degree in International Political Relations from the Higher Institute of International Relations “Raúl Roa García” (1991) and completed master’s studies in International Relations at the same institution (2006). He has also undertaken advanced studies in disarmament and conflict resolution, including participation in the United Nations Disarmament Fellowship Programme in 1995.
History
The Republic of Cuba became a founding member of the United Nations on 24 October 1945. Since joining the Organization, Cuba has maintained an active presence in multilateral diplomacy, particularly in areas such as international peace and security, disarmament, development, public health, and the promotion of a multilateral international order.
Cuba has historically played an active role in UN debates on disarmament and international security, including through its participation in negotiations on nuclear disarmament and arms control. The country has also been involved in discussions on development, South-South cooperation, and global health, with particular international recognition for its medical cooperation programmes and participation in health-related initiatives. Cuba has served several times on UN bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council (2021–2023) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and has regularly participated in the work of the General Assembly and other UN forums.
The Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva represents Cuba before Geneva-based multilateral institutions, including the UN Human Rights Council, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other specialized agencies. The Mission works on issues including human rights, disarmament, humanitarian affairs, international law, health, trade, and development cooperation. Geneva has been an important centre for Cuban multilateral diplomacy, particularly due to the concentration of organizations addressing global governance, humanitarian affairs, and international cooperation.
