Brazil's Lula outlines ambitious global priorities during BRICS leadership

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized on February 26 that his country’s presidency of BRICS would reinforce the bloc’s efforts toward a multipolar world and fairer global relations.

Addressing a BRICS negotiators' meeting in Brasília, Lula outlined key priorities for Brazil's leadership during its presidency, which include global governance, healthcare, climate action, trade, artificial intelligence, and strengthening BRICS' institutional frameworks, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The president urged collective action to promote peace and reform the multilateral security system. He warned that “unilateralism undermines the international order,” and that negotiations based on power alone fuel instability and conflict.

Lula also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced healthcare cooperation, particularly in the Global South. He proposed a BRICS-led initiative to eliminate neglected tropical diseases and warned that weakening the World Health Organization could have serious global consequences. He called for stronger global health governance to ensure fair access to essential medicines and vaccines.

On the issue of climate change, Lula drew attention to alarming levels of greenhouse gas emissions and rising global temperatures. He urged BRICS to push for bold and ambitious outcomes at the upcoming 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), stressing the need for economic growth to be balanced with social and environmental justice.

Addressing the growing trend of protectionism, Lula advocated for the removal of trade barriers and called for reforms to the global financial system. He emphasized the importance of BRICS taking a leading role in shaping global governance through platforms like the United Nations.

Lula also emphasized the need for coordinated support for South Africa’s G20 presidency and Brazil’s leadership of COP30, set for November this year.