An emotional moment unfolded at Brazil’s Planalto Palace as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with tears in his eyes, shared his personal journey from childhood hunger to leading his nation out of severe food insecurity. Announcing that Brazil has officially exited the UN’s Hunger Map for the first time in years, Lula opened up about his own experiences with hunger and shame, recalling his first taste of bread and the hardships his family endured. Brazil’s removal from the list of countries with serious undernourishment, with a rate now below 2.5%, is a major milestone praised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The president’s moving words highlight the real human impact of public policy, and the images of his tears have resonated across the country, symbolizing national progress in the ongoing battle against poverty and hunger.