247 – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received this Friday (25) the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from the National University of Malaysia (UKM), in Kuala Lumpur. The speech, published on the official website of Planalto, was marked by a strong defense of education as an instrument of emancipation, of the role of the Global South in the construction of a multipolar world and of the urgency in facing inequalities and the climate crisis.

Lula began his speech by declaring it"an honor" to receive the title from an institution that symbolizes Malaysia's commitment to progress and social transformation."I am very proud to be the president who created the most technical and higher education institutions, even without a university degree. And who opened the doors of universities to the children of the working classes," he stated.

The president emphasized that both Brazil and Malaysia share a similar trajectory in the fight for the democratization of higher education, previously restricted to the elite. He emphasized that education is essential to promoting social justice and dignity."Today, Brazil envisions a future in which development is not limited to the growth of wealth for a few," he said.

South-South cooperation and global reform

In an analysis of the role of the Global South, Lula stated that Brazil and Malaysia"share fundamental values such as the defense of dialogue, cooperation, multilateralism, and social justice." He emphasized the importance of solidarity among Southern nations and advocated for the reform of international institutions."It is unacceptable that rich countries have nine times more voting power in the IMF than the Global South," he criticized.

The president also highlighted the role of the BRICS in building a new,"less asymmetrical and more peaceful" world order. According to him,"the defense of an order based on dialogue, diplomacy, and the sovereign equality of nations is at the heart of Brazil's proposal for reforming the United Nations."

Criticism of neoliberalism and inequality

Lula harshly criticized the neoliberal model and the concentration of global wealth."Three thousand billionaires have earned $6.5 trillion since 2015. This figure exceeds the annual nominal GDP of ASEAN and Brazil combined," he noted. For him,"we cannot envision a different world without questioning a model that deepens inequalities."

The president also cited the environmental crisis as a direct result of the limitless pursuit of profit."In the pursuit of limitless profits, many forget to care for planet Earth," he warned, noting that climate change could push more than 130 million people into extreme poverty by 2030.

COP-30 and the defense of the Amazon

Lula emphasized the importance of COP-30, which will be held in Belém, in the heart of the Amazon, and called it"the COP of truth." "It will be the moment to overcome extractive greed and act based on science," he declared.

The president criticized the failure to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and presented the Tropical Forests Forever Fund initiative, which will be launched at the conference."The Brazilian Amazon is home to 30 million people who have the right to live with dignity. This fund will compensate for ecosystem services provided to the planet," he stated.

Peace, youth and solidarity

Lula also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing the outrage of university students at the violence."University communities around the world have raised their voices against the brutality of the genocide in Gaza and against the moral inertia that has prevented the creation of a Palestinian state to this day," he declared.

The president reinforced his defense of peace and condemned global militarism."Peace is humanity's most precious asset. It cannot be bought with the $2.7 trillion the world spends annually on weapons," he said.

Closing: a tribute to the Brazilian people

In conclusion, Lula dedicated the title to the people of Brazil."This diploma isn't Lula's. This diploma belongs to 215 million Brazilians," he stated, receiving applause from the audience. He also expressed his desire to strengthen ties between Brazil and Malaysia through education and scientific exchange.