Brazilian leader Lula da Silva: The planet cannot be left at the mercy of struggles for hegemony

According to the news in the Brazilian press, Lula da Silva spoke at the "Leaders' Summit Forest Event" within the scope of COP31 held in Antalya.

Emphasizing that concerns about the climate crisis were replaced by silence at the G7 and G20 meetings, Lula da Silva said, "We started talking about weapons and tariffs rather than the survival of future generations." he said.

At COP31 in Antalya, Lula da Silva called for stronger steps against the climate crisis and gave messages to combat deforestation and accelerate the energy transition.

Recalling the COP30 summit held on 10-21 November 2025 in Belem, Brazil, Lula da Silva stated that in order to make the protection of forests a priority of the global agenda, the three road maps inherited from Belem should be implemented decisively, the Endless Rainforest Fund (TFFH) should be operationalized as soon as possible, emission reduction should be accelerated and international cooperation should be strengthened.

Pointing out the importance of reconciliation, Lula da Silva said:

"The planet cannot be left at the mercy of struggles for hegemony. Droughts, floods, forest fires and the increase in sea water temperatures have become a part of the lives of millions of people. Families are losing their lives, homes, jobs and livelihoods. Armed conflicts and migrations for economic reasons are added to the migrations caused by climate disasters. In this period of polarization, diplomacy must know how to open the doors of new opportunities where the doors are closed."

Lula da Silva, who handed over a part of his speech to Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco due to his voice being hoarse, said, "I will ask my dear Minister of Environment, Joao Paulo Capobianco, to speak on my behalf. He will read the speech I would give if I had my voice. I want him to explain in the strongest possible way what he has done to protect the environment of the planet. He does not need to lower his voice like me, but let him explain everything they have done to protect the planet." he said.

"We are progressing on this path together with civil society"

Meanwhile, Lula da Silva, in his post on the social media platform of US-based company he said.

Referring to the meetings he held at COP31, Lula da Silva said, "In our meeting with representatives of social movements and non-governmental organizations at COP31, I once again reiterated my pride that Brazil came to this summit with its head held high, with concrete proposals, a commitment to zero deforestation and the will to lead the fight against the climate crisis." shared his knowledge.

"It is a great pride to represent Brazil at COP31 in Türkiye"

Lula da Silva expressed his satisfaction with attending COP31 as follows:

"It is a source of great pride and excitement to represent Brazil at COP31 in Türkiye. The attention I receive here is not directed to me, but to the Brazilian people. Our youth, our women, our elderly and everyone who takes to the streets to defend democracy... You are the ones who represent the strength of our country, and I am very proud to be here, representing every Brazilian."