The Schiller Institute’s International Youth Movement for Peace Through Development on Oct. 6 sent the following message to the youth of Brazil, who are now mobilizing to ensure that President Lula da Silva is reelected in the second round of voting in that country, which will occur on Oct. 25.

Brazil stands at the crossroads in history, as does the Global South as a whole. Five hundred years of colonial order are coming to an end, and we, members of the global Schiller Institute youth movement, stand with the youth of Brazil in demanding a new, just world paradigm.

Ordinary Brazilians need a working government that invests in its people. President Lula da Silva represents a proven path of economic development with social inclusion, both for Brazil and the world. Lula’s firm support for the BRICS+ countries has given Brazil strategic autonomy, opened new markets, and secured vital investments for development without submitting to the outdated colonial dictates of the IMF and the big banks. Losing this vision now would be an historic step backward. Lula has built bridges with the Global South, strengthening its voice. His strong focus on ending poverty and hunger is needed.

For Brazil, the Global South, and humanity to prosper, we need a new international security and development architecture, one that will be win-win for all participants—and a permanent end to the austerity and attacks on sovereignty that Wall Street and the City of London are imposing everywhere.

Estevão Damacena

Schiller Institute youth movement

+55 11 95788-6348