The meeting, centered around tackling global inequality, saw Lula thank unions and workers across the world for their solidarity and support which helped secure his release from prison.

In 2018 Lula was imprisoned in a political move which prevented him from running for President and aided the rise of Bolsonaro and the far right in Brazil. The Judge who sentenced Lula has since been made Minister of Justice in Bolsonaro's cabinet.

Pavanelli told the former president:

"As one of the first global leaders from the trade union movement, your story shows that when we struggle, we can win. The forces of fascism and the far right are organizing at the global level. We must do the same - and fast - to overthrow their stranglehold over our democratic institutions."

In 2018 PSI affiliates held an International Day of Solidarity after 500 days of Lula's imprisonment. Unions across the world took action, sent letters calling for Lula's release and met with Brazilian Ambassadors to raise the case. Speaking in Geneva, Lula made clear that these efforts had a real impact: "You helped show the world is watching Brazil. We will not let this regime undermine the progress we have all helped achieve."