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In a conversation with IN Diplomacy, Cuba’s Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Lisbet quesada reflects on the spirit of solidarity in Cuban society, the role of women in shaping national progress, and the growing opportunities for cooperation between Cuba and Singapore

A diplomat with more than two decades of experience in international engagement, H.E. Lisbet Quesada Luna has dedicated much of her career to strengthening Cuba’s global partnerships and promoting dialogue across regions. Currently serving as Cuba’s Ambassador to Singapore, she brings extensive diplomatic experience and a long-standing connection to Asia. Her tenure reflects a commitment to building bridges between nations while advancing cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, science, and education.

In a conversation with IN Diplomacy, Ambassador Quesada Luna reflected on the significance of the International Women’s Day 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” and how it resonates with Cuba’s enduring values of solidarity and collective progress. The discussion explored the contributions of Cuban women to national development, the country’s approach to women’s empowerment, and the growing relationship between Cuba and Singapore. Throughout the conversation, she emphasised that solidarity remains a defining characteristic of Cuban society.

“Cuban women, with their unwavering strength of soul and spirit, are a fundamental pillar of our history,” she remarked. Women play vital roles across Cuban society, from healthcare and education to culture and sports, and their contributions extend internationally through medical missions and educational initiatives. She highlighted the work of Cuban healthcare professionals who supported communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the educators at the Latin American School of Medicine who train students from underserved communities around the world.

Ambassador Quesada Luna also noted Cuba’s long tradition of female participation in public life. Citing Fidel Castro’s remark that “woman is a Revolution within the Revolution,” she pointed to the creation of the Federation of Cuban Women in 1960 as a major step toward empowering women in social, economic, and political life. Today, women represent 56.71 percent of deputies in Cuba’s Parliament, placing the country among the global leaders in female political representation.

For the Ambassador, education and healthcare remain key pillars of women’s empowerment in Cuba. Both sectors are universally accessible and deeply rooted in community life. Women make up the majority of university graduates and hold prominent roles in fields such as science, medicine, public administration, and the judiciary.

Her diplomatic mission in Singapore marks an important chapter in her career. Despite geographical distance, Cuba and Singapore share common perspectives as small island states navigating global challenges. During her tenure, bilateral ties have strengthened through initiatives such as the signing of the Air Services Agreement in 2024 and the official visit of Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, to Singapore in 2025.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Quesada Luna expressed optimism about expanding cooperation between the two countries in areas such as education, culture, and trade, particularly as Cuba and Singapore approach the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.