Global South Leaders Challenge Western Narratives, Demand Reforms at Barcelona Forum

Article by Viory

Leaders from across Latin America, Africa and Europe gathered in Barcelona on Saturday for the Global Progressive Mobilisation forum, where they discussed global conflicts, climate policy and reform of international institutions.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticised Western narratives on the Middle East, accusing Israel and the United States of distorting realities on the ground.

“The genocide carried out by Israel in Gaza is another very big lie. And now the bombing by Israel in Lebanon — on what grounds?” he asked.

He also questioned claims regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, recalling a 2010 diplomatic initiative involving Brazil, Turkey and Iran that he said was ultimately rejected by Western powers.

“The European Union and the United States did not accept the agreement. And now, once again, we are trying to build the idea that Iran would pursue an atomic bomb,” Lula proclaimed.

“We need to put an end to this story of telling lies about people and then destroying them,” he stressed.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for reforms to global governance, arguing that international institutions must better reflect current geopolitical realities. “We must build a world of genuine multilateral cooperation, with global institutions that are representative.”

The gathering coincided with high-level diplomatic engagement between Spain and Brazil, including bilateral talks led by Pedro Sanchez and Lula, during which agreements on critical minerals, digital technologies, and scientific cooperation were signed.

The Global Progressive Mobilisation positions itself as a platform for shaping a more inclusive global order, bringing together progressive leaders, policymakers and civil society actors.

Article by Viory