Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said today that the world has the scientific and productive capacity to surmount economic challenges. According to the President, world leaders need to be more courageous.
“What is most required at present is the audacity to try new approaches. The biggest thing to fear is fear itself. I am talking not about instinctual audacity, but, rather, political courage, without irresponsible willfullness, but with boldness and the ability to make reforms.”
Lula participated in the opening of the 59th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, at UN headquarters in New York, in the United States. As has been the custom since 1946, the Brazilian President was the first to address the session.
In his speech the President asserted that “humanity is losing the struggle for peace.” He also called for changes in the forms of global growth and the creation of democratic international institutions which suit the needs and desires of all.
“The way to lasting peace necessarily demands a new international order that ensures all countries real opportunities for economic and social progress,” Lula underscored.
The President of the United States, George W. Bush, was second on the speakers’ list.
Agência Brasil
Reporter: Carolina Pimentel
Translator: David Silberstein