President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called for a major overhaul of the United Nations, urging a critical examination of the nearly eight-decade-old UN Charter. He attributed the international community's failure to address global challenges to a lack of genuine negotiation and dialogue.
Speaking to world leaders during the UN General Assembly’s annual debate, Lula expressed concern over the current global landscape, which he described as reflecting a “weakening of our collective capacity for negotiation and dialogue.” He pointed out that the recently adopted UN Pact for the Future is limited in scope, demonstrating a troubling paradox: “We go around in circles between possible compromises that lead to insufficient results.”
Lula highlighted that, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, no comprehensive treaty on pandemics has been established by the World Health Organization (WHO). He stated, “We are living in a time of growing anguish, frustration, tension, and fear,” criticizing the increasing military budgets and conflicts that often occur without international legal backing.
The Brazilian President condemned the invasion of Ukraine and, in collaboration with China, has proposed a “six-point plan” aimed at fostering constructive dialogue. He also addressed the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank, describing the situation as one of the greatest humanitarian disasters in recent history. He condemned what he perceived as collective punishment of the Palestinian people, noting the tragic loss of over 40,000 lives, primarily among women and children. “The right to defense has become the right to vengeance,” he remarked, voicing concern about the escalating situation in Lebanon.
Turning to climate change, Lula warned, “We are doomed to climate change interdependence,” emphasizing that future generations will bear the consequences of unfulfilled climate commitments. He reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to environmental protection, reporting a 50 percent reduction in Amazon deforestation, with an aim to eradicate it by 2030.
In a call for reform of the global financial system, Lula pointed out the disadvantages faced by low- and middle-income countries, leading to a “reverse Marshall Plan” where the poorest finance the richest. He urged for greater representation of developing nations in institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, highlighting the stark contrast in borrowing rates between African nations and wealthier countries.
Lula proposed a “comprehensive review” of the UN Charter and advocated for urgent reforms within the Organization, particularly urging the Security Council to reconsider its exclusionary practices regarding permanent seats for Latin American and African countries.
He concluded by reminding attendees that the world cannot afford to wait for another tragedy to drive necessary governance changes, stressing that the will of the majority must prevail over entrenched power structures.
