Sao Paulo, June 17 -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday called for a coordinated global response to organised crime that respects national sovereignty, while urging world leaders to address widening inequality and reform international development frameworks during an expanded G7 meeting in Evian, France.

Speaking during the session titled "Establishing New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity," Lula said the fight against transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, money laundering and arms smuggling must be linked to the broader global development agenda. He argued that organised crime drains resources that should be invested in essential services, including education, healthcare and infrastruct...