Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday (19) that the fight against climate change and inequality are the main challenges to be overcome by world leaders. During the debate among heads of state at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UN) in New York, he recalled the first time he participated in the event, in 2003.
“I return today to say that I still have my unwavering confidence in humanity. Back then, the world had not yet realized the seriousness of the climate crisis. Today, it knocks at our door, destroys our homes, our cities, our countries, kills and brings loss and suffering to our brothers, especially the poorest,” said the Latin American leader.
To overcome inequalities, he stated, it is necessary to overcome the resignation and lack of political will of those who govern the world.
“Today, hunger — the central theme of my speech in this world parliament 20 years ago — affects 735 million human beings who will go to bed tonight not knowing if they will have food to eat tomorrow. The world is becoming increasingly unequal. The ten richest billionaires have more wealth than the poorest 40% of humanity,” he added.
The Brazilian government delivers the first speech at the UN General Assembly, followed by the President of the USA, a tradition that dates back to the early days of the organization in the late 1940s.
This is the eighth time President Lula opens the debate among heads of state.
During his two previous terms, he participated in the event every year from 2003 to 2009. In 2010, he was represented by then Foreign Minister and current special advisor to the president, Celso Amorim.
Source: Agência Brasil