Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addresses the opening session of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya, Turkey, on Nov. 11. (Foto: Instagram)
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called on countries to keep disagreements from blocking progress on climate action during the opening session of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Antalya, Turkey. He warned of attacks on science and multilateralism and criticized imbalances in global decision-making mechanisms.
Speaking with difficulty because of voice problems, Lula argued that diplomacy should help resolve disputes. “Lack of consensus must not become an obstacle to progress,” he said, urging leaders to find openings for dialogue amid political polarization.
Lula also criticized the influence of veto power and money in other international forums. He said undermining the climate regime would damage what is best about the multilateral system, and added that diplomacy must “open windows where doors are closing.”
The address was Lula’s first speech at an international forum since his reelection on Oct. 25. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, he held closed-door meetings focused on preparations for the summit before meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdogan. The two leaders discussed ways to expand trade, potential partnerships and the possibility of Erdogan visiting Brazil.
