Speaking at COP-15 on migratory species, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a forceful appeal for renewed global commitment to multilateralism amid rising geopolitical tensions. In the presidential segment he criticised what he described as the United Nations Security Council’s failure to resolve ongoing conflicts, warning that unilateral actions and breaches of sovereignty are becoming more common and that “a world without rules is an insecure world.” He stopped short of naming countries but framed the moment as one of mounting crises that demand stronger international cooperation.
Lula said the UN is showing signs of “exhaustion” in its capacity to prevent and mediate conflicts and urged member states to favour inclusion over walls and hate speech. He argued that rebuilding effective institutions and reinforcing collective approaches are essential to global stability.
On the environmental front, Lula contrasted his administration’s policies with those of the previous government, saying Brazil’s global standing suffered under earlier leadership. He highlighted measurable gains since 2023: Amazon deforestation has been halved, deforestation in the Cerrado has fallen by more than 30 percent, and fires in the Pantanal have been reduced by over 90 percent.
The president outlined Brazil’s wider conservation agenda, citing the Tropical Forests Forever Fund and plans to expand protected areas. New measures announced include creation of a 41,000-hectare reserve in northern Minas Gerais and territorial expansions for Pantanal National Park and the Taiamã Ecological Station.
Lula also stressed regional collaboration, noting South American efforts to protect migratory birds, and voiced support for pending international measures such as ratification of the Escazú Agreement and the creation of a South Atlantic whale sanctuary.
Framing environmental protection as central to foreign policy, he positioned Brazil as a committed partner for sustainability, cooperation and stronger multilateral institutions.
