Mike Hammer, the acting U.S. Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Havana, met with Pablo Ruiz Hiebra, the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cuba. This marks their first publicly acknowledged interaction.
"It was a pleasure to meet Pablo Ruiz Hiebra, the new UN Coordinator in Cuba. We exchanged insights on the island's current situation, focusing on efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to those in dire need," Hammer shared on the U.S. Embassy's social media channels in Cuba.
This meeting occurs amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in Cuba, characterized by extended power outages, shortages of fuel and food, and the ongoing decline of healthcare services.
The New UN Coordinator's Background
Ruiz Hiebra, a seasoned Spanish diplomat with over two decades of experience in crisis zones, was appointed as the UN Resident Coordinator in Cuba by Secretary-General António Guterres on October 1, with the Cuban government's approval.
Prior to this role, he served as the Resident Coordinator in Uruguay and as the Country Director for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Colombia, engaging in peace process initiatives. His career also includes post-crisis recovery work in Haiti, Lebanon, and Sri Lanka.
Humanitarian Efforts and Challenges
On October 9, Ruiz Hiebra presented his credentials to Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Anayansi Rodríguez in Havana. His arrival aligns with the initiation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026-2030, signed with the Cuban government in October 2025.
The recent meeting underscores the urgency of coordinating humanitarian responses on the island. The UN has issued a $94 million appeal to support nearly 2 million individuals across 63 municipalities in eight provinces. Yet, by September 2026, only about $42 million had been raised, with significant gaps in food security, healthcare, and water supply.
U.S. Humanitarian Aid Contributions
In May, the U.S. reiterated its offer of $100 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba. Subsequently, it announced that $60 million would be distributed through the Catholic Church and $40 million via independent non-governmental organizations.
Hammer has been the public face of these efforts. In August, he visited beneficiary families in Bejucal, and in September, he toured homes in Villa Clara.
FAQs on Cuba's Humanitarian Situation
What are the main challenges Cuba is currently facing?
Cuba is grappling with prolonged power outages, food and fuel shortages, and a continuous decline in healthcare services.
How much funding has the UN requested for humanitarian aid in Cuba?
The UN has issued a $94 million appeal to assist nearly 2 million people across 63 municipalities in eight provinces of Cuba.
Who is coordinating the UN's efforts in Cuba?
Pablo Ruiz Hiebra, a Spanish diplomat with extensive experience in crisis zones, is the new UN Resident Coordinator in Cuba.