Brazil's Lula criticizes prioritizing military spending over food security

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (C), FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu (L), and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira attend the 39th Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for Latin America and the Caribbean in Brasilia, Brazil, March 4, 2026. Lula on Wednesday criticized prioritizing military spending over food security, asserting that hunger eradication is an attainable goal hindered by a "lack of commitment." (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua)

BRASILIA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday criticized prioritizing military spending over food security, asserting that hunger eradication is an attainable goal hindered by a "lack of commitment."

"If we took the money spent last year on armaments and conflicts -- the equivalent of 2.7 trillion U.S. dollars -- and divided it among the 630 million human beings who go hungry on the planet, it would be enough to distribute 4,285 dollars to each person," Lula said at the opening of the 39th Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The meeting, held in Brasilia from March 2 to 6, seeks to define priorities for 2026 and 2027 with a central focus on combating hunger and malnutrition in the region. It brought together ministers, officials and representatives from Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Lula cited Brazil's success in combating food insecurity as evidence that the crisis can be reversed, noting that the country has made significant progress since his return to power in 2023. ■

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (L) and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira talk at the 39th Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for Latin America and the Caribbean in Brasilia, Brazil, March 4, 2026. Lula on Wednesday criticized prioritizing military spending over food security, asserting that hunger eradication is an attainable goal hindered by a "lack of commitment." (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua)