Brazil’s left-wing president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, while delivering the first country address at the United Nations General Assembly 2023 called for “outrage” against global inequality amid war, climate change, debt, energy and food crises, poverty and famine.
“Inequalities need to inspire outrage – outrage over hunger, poverty, war and disrespect for human beings. Moved by the power of outrage, we may act willingly and unwaveringly in fighting inequality and effectively transforming the world around us,” said Lula.
The first day of the high-level general debate is taking place at the 78th United Nations General Assembly. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stresses that BRICS countries are coming together to protect their own interests and assert their independence in the face of the superpowers.
He said that “Brazil is back” adding that his country is embracing multilateralism as it pushes for a fair and sustainable future. The Brazilian president also expressed concern about global income and wealth disparity, pushing for increased taxes on the wealthy.
Hailing a new push by countries in the Amazon region to protect the important rainforest, Lula da Silva said, “We want to arrive at COP28 in Dubai with a joint vision that reflects … the priorities for preserving the Amazon.”
Lula, who hosted the Amazon summit in Brazil last month, told the UNGA that his nation is returning to democracy and the international fold following the departure of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, as reported by the media.
“If today I returned in the honourable capacity as president of Brazil, it is thanks to the victory won by democracy in my country,” he said, adding, “Democracy ensured that we overcame hate, misinformation and oppression.”
