“Democracy is not a pact of silence,” Lula says at an event promoted by the governments of Brasil and Spain at the UN

The President of the Republic of Brasil, together with the President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, coordinated the event "In Defence of Democracy: Fighting Against Extremism," which included several other leaders and international representatives. Among other topics, concerns about issues such as fake news and the use of artificial intelligence were highlighted. Read more.

After a historic speech on September 24th, at the opening of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the President of the Federative Republic of Brasil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, returned in the afternoon to make a compelling intervention for the principles of democracy and global political and social well-being, respecting life and social, ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. The speech took place during the event “In Defense of Democracy. Fighting Against Extremism,” held on September 24 and led by the governments of Brasil and Spain. Lula shared the coordination of the debate with the Spanish President Pedro Sánchez. The debates took place at the headquarters of the United Nations (UN).

“Retreating will not appease the violent impulse of those who attack democracy to silence and suppress rights. There is no contradiction between social cohesion and respect for diversity. Pluralism strengthens us. Democracy in its fullness is the basis for promoting peaceful, just and inclusive societies, free from fear and violence. It is essential for a peaceful and prosperous world,” said Lula, who is also the current president of the G20.

The President's speech in full can be accessed here.

The event was attended by the leaders and representatives of Barbados, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the United States, France, Mexico, Norway, Kenya, Senegal, East Timor, as well as the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Guy Rider. During the discussions, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to the defense of democracy and expressed deep concern over the rise of groups that promote attacks against the rule of law, human and fundamental rights. They recognized that polarization, extremism, and the spread of disinformation are transnational phenomena that erode the social fabric and fuel violence and instability.

Some participants highlighted how the increase in inequalities within and between countries underpins the discontent that drives this tendency. The failure to provide concrete improvements in workers' lives and the erosion of the middle classes in many countries have contributed to a sense of frustration with governments and politics.

Others have expressed concern that the spread of disinformation and fake news fuels distrust in democratic institutions and processes, as well as hindering informed participation in public life, making it more difficult for governments to meet citizens' demands through effective policies.

The manipulation of opinions through hate speech and the use of virtual armies to spread fear, discredit opponents, and promote attacks on electoral systems are common elements of this worrying phenomenon, which silences minorities, restricts their participation and freedoms, and reduces democratic space and confidence in democracy itself.

Check out the highlights of the meeting:

Democracy can take many forms, but it shares common features, including free and fair elections; transparent political process; autonomy of powers and the right to equal protection under the law; independent press and an ecosystem of reliable and plural information; the opportunity to organize and fully participate in the political, economic, and cultural life of society; and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. These values contribute to prosperous, inclusive, and pluralistic societies.

Democracy cannot be imposed. It is based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural systems.

Fighting hunger and inequality, promoting decent work and improving social welfare policies are essential to strengthening democracy.

Ensuring gender equality and the full participation and leadership of women in the formulation and decision-making of public policies is fundamental to building inclusive and resilient democracies.

Racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, and all forms of discrimination are incompatible with democracy and are threats to political pluralism and diversity.

The use of digital technologies by extremist groups to promote hate speech, spread disinformation and incite acts of violence — amplified by advances in Artificial Intelligence — must be tackled jointly by governments, with the engagement of technology companies and civil society. Promoting information integrity will be essential to ensure the proper functioning of democracies.

A democratic environment is the most effective tool for addressing collective challenges and, in particular, for paving the way towards a just transition and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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