The world extends beyond the Cold War mentality, declares Lula

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remarked Thursday that the contemporary global landscape surpasses the “Cold War mindset.”

He emphasized that while some are keen on reverting to such thinking, Brazil, during its G20 presidency, supports the inclusion of the African Union in the group.

“True prosperity arises when shared. The presence of numerous global southern leaders indicates the world’s intricacy beyond the Cold War perspectives that some wish to revive.”

“Rather than succumbing to a competitive narrative that enforces rigid alignments and breeds mistrust, we must bolster our collective efforts,” Lula expressed.

He addressed this during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

On Wednesday, China’s Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, highlighted that every nation has a “right to growth.”

He articulated the world’s desire not for a renewed “Cold War” or a dominant “bloc” but for an “open, inclusive planet advocating peace, security, and collective prosperity.”

Wentao shared these views at the BRICS Business Forum on the summit’s first day, representing China’s President, Xi Jinping, who was present in Johannesburg but did not attend the forum.

Lula also shared that, under Brazil’s G20 leadership, addressing global inequalities will be prioritized.

“A clear indicator of growing global disparities is the rise in hunger and poverty – an untenable scenario.”

“Brazil aspires to spotlight inequality reduction in global discussions, recognizing the essential representation of Africa and hence advocating for the African union’s G20 membership,” he mentioned.

Lula also voiced concerns about the UN’s 2030 agenda. According to him, since its inception in 2015, there has been a regression in social and environmental goals.

He stressed the importance of reassessing global priorities, given the rising threats to democracy from extremism and the looming peril of nuclear warfare.

More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.

This article was drafted with automated assistance and reviewed before publication. How we use AI · Report an error