The president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) participated in the second day of the G20 Summit (bloc that brings together the 19 largest economies in the world, the European Union and the African Union), in Johannesburg, capital of South Africathis Sunday (23). In the session speech “A Fair and Equitable Future for All”the head of the Executive defended the coexistence of technological advancement, human and labor rights.
“There is no ‘equitable future for all’ without ensuring job opportunities and worker protection. Every solar panel, every chip, every line of code must carry with it the mark of social inclusion. 40% of the world’s workers are in roles highly exposed to AI, at risk of automation or technological complementation. We must create bridges between traditional and emerging sectors. Technology must strengthen, not weaken, human and labor rights,” said Lula.
The President of the Republic also stated that he was “fundamental to avoid a form of colonialism” when referring to digital technologies. “When few control the algorithms, data and infrastructure linked to economic processes, innovation starts to generate exclusion”, he added.
According to Lula, Brazil will collaborate with debates about artificial intelligence, technological advancement and labor rights. “It is necessary to reinforce multilateral cooperation in promoting decent work, reaffirming our commitment to the principles and standards of the ILO (International Labor Organization)”, he stated.
This year’s G20 Summit featured an unprecedented feat: the absence of the United States at the bloc meetingeven raising doubts about the future of the group, which makes all decisions by consensus.
Even with the US president’s boycott, Donald Trump,
Lula defended the approval of the text and positions similar to those of South Africa and other large developing countries.
In his opening speech at the event, President Lula did not mention the American leader, but criticized protectionism and multilateralism.
He also defended that the bloc works to resolve conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza and said that inequality should be declared a global emergency.
*With information from Américo Martins, from CNN Brasil
