Johannesburg: Speaking at the opening ceremony of the BRICS 17th Summit, the Brazilian statesman considered the current configuration of the United Nations "outdated with the multipolar reality of the 21st century". He warned that the existing scenario contributes to the increase in instability and tensions at a global level. According to Angola Press News Agency, Lula da Silva emphasized the urgency of reforming global governance structures, criticizing the current international system and advocating for a new fair and representative multipolar order. He highlighted the historic role of the United Nations in overcoming fascism and decolonizing nations but expressed concerns about the weakening of multilateralism due to the instrumentalization of international organizations and the dominance of unilateral interests in global decisions. Lula further addressed the Middle East situation, condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas and Israel's indiscriminate military actions in Gaza. He underscored the unaccepta bility of using hunger as a weapon of war and advocated for a lasting peace through the end of the Israeli occupation and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. Regarding the war in Ukraine, the Brazilian president reiterated support for the territorial integrity of all states and promoted direct dialogue between conflicting parties. He highlighted the "Group of Friends for Peace" initiative, led by Brazil and China, as an alternative path to achieving a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution. Lula lamented the international community's selective engagement in conflicts, citing Haiti as an example of premature abandonment. He called for an expanded mandate for the United Nations Mission in Haiti, focusing on enhancing security and sustainable development. In his closing remarks, Lula da Silva stressed that BRICS, with their diversity and representativeness, should act as a proactive force in promoting peace, preventing conflicts, and fostering a new, fairer international order. He pointed out the disparity between investments in arms and the resources allocated to official development assistance, urging political will to prioritize the implementation of the 2030 Agenda over militarization.