Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging Brazil’s presidency of BRICS to promote a multipolar world and foster fairer global relations. Speaking at a BRICS negotiators’ meeting in Brasília on Wednesday, Lula outlined a comprehensive agenda aimed at addressing global governance, healthcare, climate action, trade, artificial intelligence, and institutional development.
“Unilateralism undermines the international order,” Lula warned, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to promote peace and reform multilateral security systems. “Negotiating on the basis of power leads to instability and conflict,” he added.
Highlighting the urgent need for healthcare cooperation in the Global South, Lula proposed a BRICS-led initiative to eliminate neglected tropical diseases. He called for stronger global health governance to ensure fair access to medicines and vaccines, cautioning that weakening the World Health Organization would have severe repercussions.
On the issue of climate change, Lula expressed concern over record-high temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. He urged BRICS nations to push for ambitious outcomes at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) while ensuring that economic growth aligns with social and environmental justice.
The president underscored the importance of dismantling trade barriers amid rising protectionism. He advocated for reforms in the global financial system and called on BRICS to take a leading role in shaping global governance through the United Nations.
Lula also emphasized the need for coordinated action to support South Africa’s G20 presidency and Brazil’s leadership of COP30 scheduled for November.
“Our priorities are clear,” Lula stated. “We must work together to build a fairer, more inclusive world where every nation has a voice.”
