Secretary-General’s Activities in Brazil from July 5 to July 9

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 5 to participate in the Seventeenth Summit of BRICS nations, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, and China. During his visit, Guterres engaged in discussions focused on critical global issues such as artificial intelligence, environmental challenges, and international cooperation. He emphasized the need for inclusive governance of AI and the importance of addressing climate change and health crises, particularly for vulnerable populations. Guterres concluded his visit on July 8 after a series of bilateral meetings with various leaders.

Engagement at the BRICS Summit

Upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Guterres was welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Secretary-General participated in an outreach session dedicated to “Strengthening multilateralism, economic-financial affairs, and artificial intelligence.” He highlighted the transformative impact of AI on economies and societies, stressing the necessity for equitable access to its benefits. Guterres asserted that developing countries must have a significant role in AI governance to ensure that its advantages are shared broadly rather than confined to a select few.

In the evening, Guterres attended an official cocktail event hosted by President Lula and his wife, Janja Lula da Silva, marking the commencement of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit. This gathering provided an opportunity for leaders to network and discuss pressing global issues in a more informal setting.

Addressing Environmental and Health Challenges

On July 7, Guterres participated in a family photo session at the summit venue before addressing another outreach session focused on the environment, the upcoming COP30, and global health. He warned that environmental degradation is occurring at an alarming rate, affecting lives and livelihoods worldwide. Guterres pointed out that the most vulnerable populations bear the brunt of these challenges, as disasters escalate and sustainable development efforts falter.

He called for urgent action to address the intersection of climate change and health, urging governments to build on the progress made at last year’s biodiversity conference. Guterres emphasized the need for ambitious financial agreements to ensure the success of COP30, highlighting the critical nature of these discussions for future global health and environmental stability.

Bilateral Meetings with Global Leaders

During the summit, Guterres held several bilateral meetings with key international leaders. He met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the Middle East situation, emphasizing the importance of consolidating the ceasefire to facilitate the resumption of negotiations. Following this, he engaged with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, where they discussed the robust partnership between the United Nations and Türkiye, as well as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Additionally, Guterres met with Sergio Diaz-Granados, the Executive President of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, to explore avenues for collaboration in the region. These meetings underscored the Secretary-General’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation on pressing global issues.

Collaboration with China and Departure

On the morning of July 8, Guterres met with Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council of China. Their discussions centered on enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and China, particularly in areas such as sustainable development and climate change financing. Guterres commended China for its dedication to multilateralism and acknowledged its significant contributions to the UN’s initiatives.

After a productive visit filled with discussions on vital global matters, Guterres departed Rio de Janeiro in the afternoon of July 8, concluding his participation in the BRICS Summit. His engagements highlighted the UN’s ongoing efforts to address global challenges through collaboration and dialogue among member states.

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