Why does Brazil get to speak first at UNGA?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-17T22:56:01.153Z • Permanent link

Brazil's historic opportunity to speak first at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has been met with scrutiny and debate, with many questioning the country's credentials and relevance on the global stage. The UNGA is the main deliberative and representative organ of the United Nations, bringing together heads of state and government representatives from nearly every country in the world. Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, has been a member of the UNGA since its inception in 1945.

Brazil's bid to speak first at the UNGA was championed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has been a vocal advocate for the country's role in global affairs. The decision was made by the UNGA President, which is rotated among member states each year. Brazil's position as a leading economy in the region and its efforts to strengthen ties with other emerging markets made it a natural choice to take on the role. However, some critics have argued that Brazil's lack of influence in international institutions and its human rights record have made it an unlikely candidate to speak first.

Brazil's bid to speak first at the UNGA has also been influenced by the country's efforts to promote its interests in the Global South. The country has been working to strengthen its relationships with other emerging markets, including China and India, and has been a vocal supporter of the BRICS grouping, which brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Brazil's position as a key player in the BRICS grouping has helped to amplify its voice on the global stage, and its bid to speak first at the UNGA reflects its growing influence in international affairs.

Brazil's historic opportunity to speak first at the UNGA has significant implications for the Global Infrastructure domain. The country's role in shaping the global agenda on infrastructure development, trade, and investment will have far-reaching consequences for companies and research communities operating in these sectors. The UNGA has long been a platform for discussing global challenges and finding solutions, and Brazil's participation will bring a unique perspective to the table. Companies such as Vale, Petrobras, and Embraer, which are major players in the Brazilian economy, will be watching closely to see how their country's position on the global stage evolves.

The UNGA has also been a key platform for discussing climate change, and Brazil's bid to speak first reflects its growing recognition of the need to address this global challenge. The country has been a vocal supporter of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and has made significant commitments to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The UNGA will provide a critical platform for Brazil to showcase its efforts to address climate change and to promote sustainable development in the Global South.

The decision to give Brazil the opportunity to speak first at the UNGA reflects a broader pattern of shifting global power dynamics. The rise of emerging markets, including Brazil, China, and India, has led to a reconfiguration of the global order, with these countries increasingly playing a major role in international institutions. This shift has been driven by a range of factors, including economic growth, demographic changes, and the need for greater representation in global affairs.