Lula At UNGA 2026: Brazil Challenges Global Power Structure, Demands Stronger Multilateralism
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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has challenged the existing global power structure, accusing the United Nations of facing a leadership crisis and calling for reforms to international institutions.
Lula spoke on September 22 as Brazil opened the high-level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He said the UN was confronting one of its most difficult periods, pointing to continuing wars, the paralysis of the Security Council and growing tensions between major powers.
Lula argued that the existing distribution of power within the Security Council was no longer adequate for the present international system.
‘Multilateralism Or Unilateralism’
The Brazilian president framed the choice facing the international community as one between multilateral cooperation and unilateral action.
He also defended national sovereignty and criticised external interference in domestic political processes.
Lula said Brazil would remain sovereign and rejected the idea that Latin American countries should operate under the influence of another power.
Gaza And Ukraine
The Brazilian leader addressed the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, calling for diplomatic solutions.
He criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and defended the rights of Palestinians, while also condemning the killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas.
Lula argued that continued warfare was evidence of the failure of political and diplomatic mechanisms to resolve international disputes.
He also called for renewed efforts to end the war in Ukraine through negotiation.
Climate And The Amazon
Climate change was another major part of Lula’s address.
He said Brazil would continue reducing deforestation in the Amazon while pursuing economic development.
The president highlighted Brazil’s renewable-energy capacity, critical minerals and other natural resources, but stressed that access to those resources should generate value, technology transfer and economic benefits within Brazil.
Artificial Intelligence And Big Technology
Lula also called for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence and major technology companies.
He argued that technological development should not proceed without rules designed to protect citizens, children, workers and creators.
He also highlighted concerns over misinformation and the influence of powerful technology companies.
A Wider Global Reform Argument
Lula’s address connected international security, climate change, technology, economic development and sovereignty to a broader argument for stronger multilateral institutions.
His position places Brazil among countries pressing for changes to the current global order and greater influence for countries outside the traditional group of major powers.
The speech also reinforced Brazil’s intention to use its position as a major developing country to push issues of global governance, climate policy and development finance higher on the international agenda.
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