Lula Presented an Overview of the Multilateralism Crisis in BRICS Summit

Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro, the President of Brazil opened the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit with an overview of the multilateralism crisis and recent conflicts, positioning BRICS as a force for the promotion of peace

At the opening of the 17th BRICS Summit this Sunday, July 7, in Rio de Janeiro, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva presented an overview of the multilateralism crisis, highlighting the emergence of multiple conflicts and their impacts on national autonomy, security, and the global economy.

During the plenary session entitled “Peace, Security, and the Reform of Global Governance,” Lula was unequivocal in urging countries to shift spending away from military efforts and toward the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda—not toward war.

“It is easier to allocate 5% of GDP to military spending than to commit the 0.7% promised for Official Development Assistance,” added Lula.

This shows that the resources to implement the 2030 Agenda do exist—they are simply not made available due to a lack of political will. It is always easier to invest in war than in peace,” said the Brazilian president.

Lula also underscored the role of the founding BRICS countries in building “a new multipolar reality for the 21st century.”

Advocating for a reform in global governance, he emphasized the bloc’s ability to become “a force capable of promoting peace and of preventing and mediating conflicts” thanks to its diverse realities.

“We can lay the groundwork for a renewed system of governance. To overcome the crisis of trust we now face, we must fundamentally reform the Security Council by making it more legitimate, representative, effective, and democratic,” Lula argued.