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Incio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, sees a growing global role for big emerging economies Upon first taking office in 2003, I pledged to end hunger in my country. Under the Zero Hunger banner, I putat the forefront of government action. I was convinced that without dealing squarely with these two evils, it would be impossible to overcome centuries of economic backwardness and political unrest. After nearly six years, much progress has been made. The number of very poor in Brazil has been slashed in half. The middle class is now in a majority, 52% of the population. There is no cause for complacency. Many Brazilians are still unable to support themselves with dignity. Yet Brazilian societys response to eliminating social and economic deprivation is an indication of the profound changes the country is undergoing. Brazil has never been in a better position to meet the challenges ahead and is fully aware of its growing global responsibilities. A global agenda Brazils ethanol and biodiesel programmes are a benchmark for alternative and renewable fuel sources.Partnerships are being established with developing countries seeking to follow Brazils achievementsa 675mtonne reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions, a million new jobs and a drastic reduction in dependence on imported fossil fuels coming from a dangerously small number of producer countries. All of this has been accomplished without compromising food security, which, on the contrary, has benefited from rising agricultural output. | 
