Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met today, in New York, with around 15 representatives of companies that invest in Brazil, such as Shell, Microsoft, and Avon.
The president said that, at the meeting, he demonstrated Brazil’s investment potential to the entrepreneurs and affirmed that the country is at the point where it can grow, generate employment, and distribute wealth to the population.
“The economy will not be manipulated on account of politics. We made the decision that Brazil cannot squander the opportunity to become a country with a solid economy,” he said.
After the meeting, the president participated in the meeting of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. In his speech, Lula affirmed that the Development Goals of the Millennium will not be achieved in the majority of countries, if current funding models and the small volume of international assistance resources persist. “There couldn’t be goals that are fairer or more relevant; our task is to carry them out,” Lula said.
In the president’s view, the Goals of the Millennium “affirm the need to expand the production of wealth, but universalizing the benefits.” Lula underscored that this expansion should be effectuated with environmental sustainability.
Lula emphasized the need to invest more in combating poverty and hunger, providing development opportunities to poor countries. “If the developed countries have the proper strategic clarity, they will perceive that this new attitude, this additional effort, is more than fair; it is absolutely necessary,” he declared. “Without it, I fear that world security and peace will become an illusion,” he warned.
The eight Development Goals of the Millennium – the elimination of hunger and extreme poverty; quality basic education for all; gender equality and protection of women’s rights; reduction of infant mortality; improved health care for pregnant women; actions to combat AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; environmental sustainability; and a global partnership for development – were endorsed by 191 countries in September, 2000. They are meant to be achieved by 2015.
Agência Brasil