Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, at the Second Committee of the 80th session of the General Assembly General Debate - October 6th, 2025

Mr. Chair,

Excellencies,

I congratulate you, Mr. President, on your election.

The theme of this year’s debate, “Five years to 2030 – Multilateral solutions for sustainable development,” highlights the scale of our challenges.

At the midpoint of the SDG Decade of Action, we are all faced with the real risk of failing the promises  of the 2030 Agenda.

To change course, Brazil believes three shifts are essential.

The first one is to fully integrate the SDGs into national and local planning, with transparent monitoring, so citizens can hold institutions accountable.

Second, take serious steps to secure adequate finance by unlocking development finance, reforming international financial architecture, aligning private investment with the SDGs and mobilizing domestic resources.

Third, center our efforts on equity and inclusion with a true whole-of-society approach.

Mr. Chair,

In Brazil, we fight hunger through economic growth and targeted poverty reduction programs. Bolsa Família, for example, has secured food for millions, having helped Brazil leave the Hunger Map again in 2025, with an 85% cut in food insecurity.

In the world, 670 million people face hunger, and 2.3 billion are food insecure. This is a collective failure.

To help meet this global challenge, Brazil launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, now joined by 103 countries. The Alliance fosters multilateral action through shared experiences, targeted financing, and stronger social protection. We reiterate our kind invitation to all countries to join this effort.

The Compromiso de Sevilla on development financing is an important step in our efforts to close the SDG funding gap, but much more is needed. Developing countries spend $1.4 trillion annually on external debt—seven times their ODA. This unjust transfer from South to North is simply unsustainable. Progressive taxation, a fair global tax system and a reformed international financial governance are also essential. Brazil continues to urge all States to support the UN negotiations for an international tax convention.

Trade remains equally vital. Yet, as President Lula stressed in the General Debate, few areas have regressed so much. Arbitrary and unilateral measures gravely undermine multilateralism. The WTO must be rebuilt on modern, flexible grounds so trade again serves inclusive growth. Brazil firmly rejects coercive measures that deepen inequality.

Mr. Chair,

We are weeks away from COP30 in Belém, which must be the “COP of truth.” Ambition must translate into delivery. The Climate Summit showed progress, with 50 new pledges and 47 updated NDCs. But pledges are not enough—we need implementation and accountability.

COP30 must also advance adaptation, finalize the Global Goal, and deliver on finance, guided by the $1.3 trillion roadmap led by Azerbaijan and Brazil.

The Tropical Forests Forever Facility will be launched in Belém, and President Lula made, here in New York, during the High-Level Week, a $1 billion national pledge to reward forest conservation. We call on partners (donors and countries with tropical forests) to engage with the initiative and help the entire international community and governments turn promises into action.

Another key interest of Brazil is responsible AI governance. Under our BRICS presidency, leaders declared that AI must be human-centered, inclusive, and respectful of digital sovereignty. We invite all States to promote such view.

Finally, Brazil attaches great importance to the ongoing WSIS+20 process. We value the first draft of its outcome document and remain committed to building a stronger, more effective framework for global digital governance—one that bridges digital divides and ensures that technology serves people, not the other way around.

Excellencies,

The challenges before us are immense, as we all know, but they are also solvable. With true political will and effective and inclusive multilateral action, we can mitigate risks and garner the potential for good of the numerous social, economic and political phenomena now underway. And the place to do it is no other than the UN.

I thank you.