Brazil’s President Lula discusses dignity of work and the climate crisis with US President Joe Biden

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke on the phone for around 30 minutes with US President Joe Biden this afternoon (16). Lula expressed his solidarity concerning the victims of the Hawaii fires – according to President Biden, the worst in US history – and their families.

It’s the first time I’ve dealt with a president who is interested in workers, your policies and speeches about work are music to my ears; together, we can really inspire other rulers to look at workers' issues
LUIZ INÁCIO LULA DA SILVA
Brazil’s President

Lula also highlighted the importance of advancing the climate crisis debate – and explained the discussions and scope of the Amazon Summit which was held in Belém, Brazil, last week. The Amazonian Dialogues were held a few days earlier, also in Belém, and were attended by nearly 30 thousand people.

President Biden said he agrees “100%” with Lula’s concerns, recognizing developed countries’ responsibilities and the need to support developing nations in dealing with the climate crisis. He mentioned the US’ USD 500 million contribution to the Amazon Fund and highlighted the importance of building a strong partnership, because of Brazil‘s leading role in these agendas.

Lula said he intends to make Brazil an example for the world in terms of environmental preservation and energy transition – telling Biden about the recent launch of the country’s New Growth Acceleration Program (Novo Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento/PAC), and the program’s focus on investments in these fields. He also mentioned financing and investment policies for recovery and reforestation of degraded lands.

Moreover, the two leaders discussed a joint initiative to advance the dignity of work in the 21st century economy – to be presented at the next UN General Assembly by the US and Brazil alongside trade union representatives and the International Labour Organization. “It’s the first time I’ve dealt with a president who is interested in workers,” said Lula. “Your policies and speeches about work are music to my ears; together, we can really inspire other rulers to look at workers' issues.”

Lula and Biden also talked about upcoming meetings between Brazil and the US in September at the G20 summit and at the United Nations. Lula reiterated his invitation to President Biden to visit Brazil next year, maybe to a state in the Amazon region.