Lula talks too much at the UN, runs out of time, and they turn off the microphone in the middle of the speech

Last Sunday (September 22, 2024), the president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silvafrom PT, made history in “Future Summit” from the UN in New York – but not quite in the way he expected. Lula got excited in his speech, exceeding the 5 minutes reserved for each head of state and, as per protocol, his microphone was cut off. The conference is part of the event that precedes the 79th UN General Assembly, which officially begins on Tuesday (24).

Sharp speech

With a sharp tongue, Lula spoke about the lack of representation of countries from the Global South in the main multilateral organizations, arguing that these countries do not have a voice proportional to their political, economic and demographic weight. Everything was going well until the clock hit the timeout and, without warning, the sound stopped. The president of the Assembly, Philémon Yang, even tried to warn the PT member, but Lula remained firm, speaking even without a microphone.

Microphone and translation off

And anyone who thinks that only Lula’s microphone was cut is mistaken. Simultaneous translation, which helps delegations understand what each leader says, was also briefly interrupted, only returning at the end of the speech. But the show had to go on and Lula, always eloquent, ended his speech by slamming his hands on the pulpit – a very characteristic way of making his point.

Pinga-Fogo

The “drop-fire” event, in which leaders from around the world had the chance to speak briefly, also cut off the sound of other heads of state, such as the presidents of Sierra Leone and Yemen. In total, 81 leaders spoke, and it seems that following the timer was not the majority’s priority. Several also had their microphones muted by UN staff, who were not joking.

But, even with the “cuts”, the event was important. At the Summit, the Pact for the Future was approved, an ambitious document that proposes changes to the multilateral system, addressing issues such as sustainable development, international security and, of course, the always controversial reform of the UN Security Council. It is a sign that the UN wants to modernize and adapt to the times.

Empty places

Despite the weight of the decisions made, the auditorium was not exactly full. The UN headquarters, which can accommodate up to 2,000 people, had several empty chairs. Observers noted at least 60 unoccupied seats in the areas designated for delegations, an indication that some preferred not to participate in the Summit.

Future Summit

The Future Summit served as a “warm-up” for the General Assembly, which traditionally attracts global attention. For Lula, the event was an opportunity to reaffirm his global leadership and defend the interests of Brazil and developing countries. Even with the microphone cut off, he managed to get his message across – and in style.

Lula’s speeches

The fact is that Lula is not the first, nor will he be the last, to lose the battle against the UN stopwatch. But, for those who follow the president, this is just another episode in his long history of speeches that defy time (and the patience of some organizers).

Now, we have to wait and see how Lula will do at the UN General Assembly, where he will have a new chance to shine – and, who knows, this time he will finish within the time allowed.

Summary for those in a hurry:

• Lula had his microphone cut off for exceeding the speech time at the UN “Summit of the Future”.
• The president spoke about the underrepresentation of countries in the Global South.
• Even without a microphone, Lula continued speaking and ended with a characteristic gesture.
• Other leaders, such as those in Sierra Leone and Yemen, also had their microphones muted.
• The event approved the Pact for the Future, focusing on changes in the multilateral system.
• The UN auditorium was partially empty, with several delegations absent.