Lula Declares BRICS as “New Name for Defense of Multilateralism”

(MENAFN) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday warned that a rising tide of unilateral actions threatens the foundations of global governance, declaring that the BRICS coalition now stands as a critical defender of multilateralism.

Speaking at a high-level virtual BRICS summit, Lula underscored the urgency of confronting the erosion of post-World War II international norms and championed the bloc’s role in reshaping the global order. The meeting focused on mounting challenges to the multilateral trading system, rising geopolitical unilateralism, and sovereignty violations.

“The Global South has the conditions to propose a different development paradigm and refute a new Cold War,” Lula stated.

In a direct critique of emerging trade restrictions and geopolitical maneuvering, he warned that key international trade principles are being dismantled.

"Unilateralism will never lead to the realization of the goals of peace, justice and prosperity that our predecessors outlined in 1945 ... BRICS is already the new name for the defense of multilateralism," said Lula.

He pointed to recent developments that, in his view, have undermined the 1945 postwar international order.

"In just a few weeks, unilateral measures have rendered fundamental principles of free trade, such as the Most Favored Nation and 'national treatment' clauses, meaningless," he stressed. "Our countries have become victims of unjustified and illegal trade practices."

Lula further criticized the use of economic leverage in international diplomacy.

"Tariff blackmail is becoming normalized as a tool to conquer markets and interfere in domestic affairs. The imposition of extraterritorial measures threatens our institutions," he said.

Reaffirming the importance of internal collaboration, Lula emphasized the value of deepening trade and financial cooperation among BRICS members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – as a bulwark against global protectionist trends. He called on the bloc to present a unified front at next year’s 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.

Lula also flagged a growing concern over digital governance, noting that in the absence of inclusive oversight, the technological space risks becoming dominated by a few global corporations.

He cautioned that unilateralism could also worsen climate disparities, disproportionately impacting developing nations. With Brazil set to host the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in November, Lula framed the event as pivotal.

"Will be the moment of truth and science," said Lula, pressing for "stronger climate governance capable of effective oversight."

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