Find out why Lula is fighting for Africa and Latin America to have a say at the UN Security Council!

The glaring absence of Africa and Latin America from the UN Security Council has long been an issue shrouded in colonial legacies, highlighted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. As only the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK currently hold permanent seats on the council, Lula made a compelling case for the inclusion of Latin America and Africa, calling it an imperative step towards dismantling echoes of past domination practices.

Here are some key points from Lula’s address at the UN General Assembly:

• Lula emphasized the pressing need for a comprehensive review of the UN’s charter, pointing out that institutions like the IMF and the World Bank have adapted to the evolving global landscape, necessitating similar changes within the UN for effective progress.
• He drew attention to the economic challenges faced by Latin America, describing it as a “new lost decade” with minimal growth rates and the rise of divisive political ideologies that hinder sustainable development.
• Lula advocated for the importance of building inclusive states that combat discrimination and resist influences from powerful entities that operate above the law, emphasizing the need for collective action.
• The former Brazilian president also acknowledged the limitations of recent international agreements, such as the Pact for the Future, underscoring the weakened capacity for effective negotiation and decision-making on a global scale.
• Lula expressed concerns about the governance crisis and armed conflicts worldwide, stressing the urgent need for structural reforms within the UN charter to address contemporary challenges adequately.

In line with Brazil’s proposals, Lula suggested transforming the UN’s Economic and Social Council into a central platform for sustainable development initiatives and climate action, while also advocating for reforms in the Security Council to enhance its effectiveness and representation of current global realities.

As the General Assembly’s theme focuses on advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for all, Lula’s call for inclusive global governance resonates as a crucial step towards fostering unity and progress on a global scale. In a world plagued by complex challenges, Lula’s vision for a reformed UN offers hope for a more equitable and just international order.