Our Founder and Executive Director, Fabio Bargiacchi met with the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as Guest Speaker at the 37th African Union Summit following the speech of the African Union President Moussa Faki Mahamat. The summit witnessed an insightful discourse on the synergies between Brazil and Africa, as President Lula shed light on key global issues and the evolving dynamics of international relations.
Our Founder had the possibility in the past to collaborate extensively with the Tribunal Supremo Eleitoral (TSE) of Brasil in the context of the “Project in Support of the Electoral Cycles of the Portuguese Speaking Countries in Africa and Timor Leste (PRO PALOP-TL)” he was managing with funding from the EU and implementation by UNDP before to establish ECES.
President Lula's speech resonated with the audience as he highlighted Brazil's strong connection with Africa, noting that more than half of Brazil's 200 million citizens identify themselves as Afro-descendants. This acknowledgment underscored the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Brazil and the African continent, fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage.
Beyond cultural affinity, President Lula delved into pressing geopolitical concerns, addressing ongoing global conflicts and advocating for a new paradigm of global governance. He emphasized the imperative for reform within institutions such as the United Nations and Bretton Woods Institutions, stressing the importance of inclusivity and representation from diverse regions.
President Lula also mentioned the Brazil's role in the BRICS group of countries, highlighting the country's commitment to forging alliances beyond traditional power dynamics. The inclusion of new members in the BRICS group reflects a shifting landscape in global politics, where emerging economies play an increasingly influential role.
You can find the transcription of the Opening remarks of the President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva HERE.
You can find the transcription of the Opening remarks of Chairman of the African Union President Moussa Faki Mahamat HERE
You can find the live of the opening ceremony of the 37th African Union Summit:
