by MATEO LOPEZ & LAURA PEREIRA
BARCELONA, (CAJ News) – LEADERS from across the Global South used a high-level international summit in Barcelona, Spain, to call for peace, cooperation and a renewed global focus on development rather than conflict.
The gathering formed part of broader international discussions centred on sustainable development, global cooperation and equitable economic growth.
The summit brought together multiple heads of state and government, alongside senior policymakers and international stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of multilateral dialogue in a rapidly changing world.
Among the prominent voices was Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who received widespread praise across the Global South for his strong stance against war and excessive military spending at the expense of human development.
Addressing delegates, Lula emphasised that global priorities must shift away from conflict and towards improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Brazil doesn’t want war with US, I don’t want war with China, I don’t want war with Russia, I don’t want war with Uruguay… I want peace, I want my country to develop, I want my people to live well,” he said.
He further highlighted the scale of global military expenditure: “The world spends $2.7 trillion a year on weapons while people starve.”
In additional remarks, he stated: “With every war Israel starts, somehow the last shot always has to land in Lebanon.”
“They talk about Cuba being socialist, while Haiti starves next door — and nobody says a word.”
Lula’s message resonated strongly with many participants, who echoed calls for diplomacy, stability and inclusive growth as the foundation for long-term global prosperity.
While other European leaders participated in the summit, discussions broadly reflected a growing sentiment that the world must move beyond cycles of conflict and instead prioritise cooperation, economic development and social progress.
Analysts note that wars and conflicts often destroy infrastructure and economies, displace millions of people, and divert critical resources away from healthcare, education and housing.
In contrast, peace and stability attract investment, enable trade and regional integration, and improve living standards and long-term prosperity.
This perspective is widely shared across the Global South, where many nations continue to advocate for dialogue over confrontation and development over destruction.
Observers often point to China as a modern example of large-scale economic transformation achieved without direct military confrontation. Through trade, infrastructure investment and industrial expansion, China has risen to become one of the world’s largest economies—an approach frequently cited in global discussions on peaceful development.
Lula’s remarks sparked widespread discussion among commentators and observers such as Rodrigo Luis Veloso, who said: “Brazil is a giant social democracy where racism is a crime. Our country does not accept Israeli apartheid or US interventions in the Global South.”
Uqaili_Shafique rejoined: “That is quite sensible of Mr Lula, as it is very unusual for a head of a country to talk sense. Normally, world leaders, including European leaders, do not think that way. They just want to follow other countries as puppy dogs, following genocidal and war policies, without giving a damn about the welfare of the ordinary citizens of their own countries.”
Rashad Reed 🇺🇸 weighed in: “Could this be the signs that the Americas are beginning to leave the old world behind?”
Patrick Holleran stated: “Well said. The greedy just can’t help themselves and they don’t care about ordinary people. This world has disgraced itself by making war and stealing from the poor.”
Mitch McCrimmon concurred: “Lula in Brazil seems to have been inspired by the strong leadership of Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez – also Meloni in Italy taking a strong stand against injustice.”
Jeff Ridings remarked: “Yes, unfortunately mankind has not evolved far enough yet to stop trying to kill each other over resources, religion, territory or power. Maybe someday.”
The summit reinforced a growing consensus among Global South nations that the future of the world lies not in military dominance, but in peaceful coexistence, economic cooperation and shared development.
As global challenges intensify, leaders such as Lula continue to advocate for a world where resources are directed towards uplifting humanity rather than sustaining conflict.
– CAJ News