Brazil President Lula warns G7 on inequality and protectionism

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed the expanded G7 summit in Evian, France, emphasizing that persistent global inequality demands stronger international solidarity and financing reforms. He highlighted a four‑trillion‑dollar annual financing gap for the UN Sustainable Development Goals and called for climate finance of at least $1.3 trillion, debt‑swap mechanisms and broader technology transfer to the Global South. Lula also condemned the resurgence of protectionist trade policies, describing them as “a false response to complex problems,” and warned that tariffs deepen the wealth gap between rich and developing nations. He urged a multilateral approach, reforms of international financial institutions and greater cooperation to combat transnational crimes, stressing that open trade and coordinated action are essential for sustainable development.